Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

I sheath my sword.

Ever since I passed Final Selection, I’ve been packed with so many missions. I watch as the demon I killed slowly fade away, tears spilling out of its poor eyes.

“Rest in peace,” I say as I clasp my hands together. “May the gods forgive you for your sins.”

I step out of the abandoned home I found this demon in, squinting instinctively as the morning sun rises. I look at my haori to check for any rips. The leaf design was far too delicate for me to even want to destroy.

I wrap my purple scarf around my neck before walking in the white, winter snow. My feet make the ground crunch beneath me, the sound peaceful to my ears compared to the fight I had just endured.

I stop in my tracks as I hear my crow cawing at me. It flies down and perches on my arm before speaking.

“You must head north! A demon has been spotted in the waters! North! Head north!”

I nod at it and take a breath. It feels like I get a new mission every second of my life now, but I can’t quit now.

The crow flies off, cawing as it exits my sight.

•~•

I descend down the mountain towards the village that was north. Everything was peaceful, or so it seemed. I knew that as soon as day turned into night, all the demons would emerge from their hiding spots.

I cover mouth with my scarf to save myself from the cold air. The purple scarf that was protecting me used to be my friend’s. He’s the one who trained me to become a demon slayers, but he ended up being killed before I went off to Final Selection. He was a powerful slayer, but he ended up being overpowered.

My sandals make small clicks against the ground as I cross a bridge into the village. People were going about their day, peacefully. I smell food in the air.

I can take a break before nightfall…

I make my way to the source of food, finding a small shop on the side of the road.

I slowly walk up to where the gruff looking owner was standing.

“Excuse me… may I get a bowl of udon please?” I say softly.

The man looks at me and smiles instantly.

“Why of course! I’m barely getting any customers anymore. You’d be my first one today.”

The man begins to make my food before glancing at me. He looks at my sword and raises an eyebrow.

“You a swordsman or somethin’?” He asks, his voice rough.

I shake my head. “Ah, no… I’m just traveling. I need to stay safe I guess, y’know?”

He hums and looks at me skeptically. The man then shrugs and places down a bowl of udon.

“Eat up, you look like you’re starving.”

“Thank you very much,” I say with a small smile. I then take the bowl before breaking apart my chopsticks and eating quickly.

After a finish there was a beat before the man speaks up again. “Hey, you must be one of those demon slayers, aren’t ya?”

I sigh and look at him. “That’s right,” I push the red strand of hair behind my ear, “I guess that’s obvious.”

“You must be here because of those people disappearing,” the man says softly.

I hum before saying, “I guess I am. I was just ordered to come here because a demon was found in the water.”

The man’s brows furrow.

“People have been going missing by the river. I guess that’s it then.”

I nod at him.

“I’ll be taking care of that soon.”

I stand up and place the empty bowl down. I begin to leave before he speaks up.

“Hey, what’s your name? I want to remember the man that can slaughter a godforsaken, kidnapping demon.”

I look at him and smile ever so slightly. “It’s Kaedehara Kazuha, sir.”

I leave.

•~•

It was now nighttime. I was slowly approaching the river, making my way down to the area by the bridge.

I slowly unsheathed my sword before whispering, “Come out wherever you are, demon…”

That obviously didn’t work, so I decided to step into the shallow water. I saw bubbles come up to the surface where it was deeper, as if someone was drowning…

I step further into the water where the bubbles were and stab the river’s ground with my blade.

Suddenly, someone, or something, pops out of the water.

The demon looked like a water monster combined with a boy. He had pale skin with blue scales, his legs blue all over. His eyes were fully white, one of them being covered by wet, blonde hair.

He was holding a man by the neck. I recognized him as one of the demon slayers from Final Selection immediately…

“H-Help! I-I can’t b-breathe—“ the guy cried out.

The demon didn’t say a word, just digging its claws into the other slayer.

“Hey, put him down!” I point my blade towards the demon.

He only hisses at me before throwing the slayer into the water and lunging at me.

I manage to dodge the demon just in time to pull the man out of the water, quickly carrying him to the shallow water.

I straighten up and look at the demon.

It hisses again before going under the water, coming up in a surprise attack.

I manage to cut its arms off, before regenerates them. It’s obvious this one has been having good meals.

I stumble back before shifting my position.

I run at the demon, taking a quick breath.

I speak to myself quietly, “Wind breathing…”

And just like that I make my move, slicing the demon’s head off.

It falls into the water, slowly beginning to fade away.

I look at the guy I saved and run to him.

“Are you okay?!”

The guy looks up at me and mutters, “Yeah, I’ll be fine… I bring my medicine for a reason…”

His blond hair was sticking over his eyes, most likely due to being underwater.

I hear a mutter and look back. The demon was saying something as he was fading, whispering one last thing before forever disappearing…

“M-mom…”

I sigh and give a solemn expression. “Most of these demons are just kids…”

“That seems to be the case with the weaker ones,” the guy says while he injects himself with an antidote. He then looks up at me. “Who are you?”

“I’m Kazuha. Fellow demon slayer.”

He nods before introducing himself, “I’m Mika. Nice to meet ya.”

I smile and sheath my sword before sitting down next to him.

A bird then flies down and perches on Mika’s shoulder, yet it wasn’t a crow. He had a bluebird instead.

I raise my eyebrow, opening my mouth to speak.

Mika then cuts me off, “I know what you’re gonna ask. Yes I got unlucky and didn’t get my own crow. Guess I’m stuck with this little guy…”

“I see…”

We sit there for a beat, going over what just happened in our own worlds.

Chapter Text

I watch Mika as he puts away his medical supplies. It didn’t look like he had a lot, but it would be the most you could have on a dangerous mission…

He stands up and looks at a tear he got on his soaked haori.

Mika grins and looks up. “I’ll get that sewn later.”

I stand after him and look over. I pull my scarf down slightly, shifting to make my feet more comfortable in my wet sandals.

“I guess we get a moment of peace for a bit,” I say, looking up into the moonlight.

Mika nods in agreement.

“Y’know, I actually feel bad for these demons. It’s not their fault they’ve turned out this way,” he says.

I hum before answering, “I get what you mean, but I can’t help but hate them for killing and eating so many innocent people.”

Mika hesitated before he spoke up again, “Some of them can be peaceful. I met a demon who was obviously scared, so I couldn’t possibly kill her. I knew other slayers would come and take her life, so what did I do? I hid her away where no one could find her.”

My eyes widen. “You’re hiding a demon?”

“Yeah, I’ve been actually thinking about having her travel with me… but I don’t know if there is away. Let me just say, she makes a pretty mean human meal for a demon.”

My expression softens before I speak, “I see… so where are you keeping her exactly?”

Mika brushes his damp hair from his face.

“Let me show you.”

•~•

As we walk, I contemplate as I look up at the midnight sky.

Mika notices and asks, “Anything on your mind?”

I hum and nod, glancing downwards. “I just have a hard time believing a demon could be kind. My best friend was kindhearted… when he came to trust a demon, he ended up becoming its dinner.”

Mika’s eyes widen.

“I-I’m so sorry about that. Who was your friend?”

“His name was Tomo. He was the thunder Hashira… very, very powerful, yet he had too much of a heart…”

Mika nods before responding, “I see… I’m sorry.”

I shake my head, my voice soft, “It’s alright, I’ll get over it. He was a great trainer, though.”

“If the thunder Hashira trained you, why do you use wind breathing?”

I falter and stop in my tracks. “I… I’m not sure. I guess I just wasn’t meant for it,” I say, solemnly.

Mika nods before also stopping and looking ahead.

“We’re almost there. Just a few more steps.”

We walk a little bit longer before we make it to a rundown looking house. There was spiderwebs, and the roof looked about ready to collapse at any moment. I then look at Mika before we head inside.

I could hear rusting coming from a dark corner of the room.

“Hey, it’s just me… you can come out,” Misha says, his voice a whisper.

Then, a girl emerged from the shadows. I could tell from her eyes she was a demon, and her nails were like claws. Her hair was blue with two tangled braids. It looked like her skin and clothing had been burned. She didn’t even have any shoes on…

The girl looks at me and tilts her head ever so slightly, taking a few steps backwards.

“Who’s this?…”

Her voice was sweet, yet it held fear.

Mika introduces us to each other, “Kazuha, this is Xiangling.”

“Xiangling…” I test out her name on my tongue.

As Xiangling stares me down, I notice that she had round ears hidden in her hair, as if she was an animal. Unlike most demons I’ve seen before, she seemed completely innocent.

She then smiles, and nods at Mika. “Alrighty then, I can trust him!”

Xiangling practically bounces to me and holds up a rice ball, her hands that were once covered by her sleeves now showing.

I look at her questionably before asking, “what’s this for?”

“It’s her way of showing her peace,” Mika answers.

“Try it out!” Xiangling exclaims cheerfully.

I then take the rice ball, taking a bite. I smile a bit and eat the rest of it. “That’s really good, Xiangling.”

She lets out a small squeal before speaking, “most demons spend their lives chowing down on humans, but I believe my specialty is cooking.” Xiangling then thinks for a moment. She looks contemplative. “I do wish I could enjoy this food…”

“Don’t you have to live off of blood?” I ask. She looks at me before answering, “I don’t kill humans, I seek out any freshly dead body and feast on that. I could never actually murder a person, though I get urges when I see someone bleeding…”

I felt a pang in my heart, one more of worry than sorrow. “I see… so I guess I shouldn’t get hurt around you, huh?”

Xiangling nods before turning to Mika. “Hey, remember how you told me you’d like it if I accompanied you on your missions?” Mika looks at her, his expression turning bright from the moonlight peaking through the roof. “Yeah, I told Kazuha about it too.”

She then walks over to a basket and some fabric, which had makeshift shoulder straps. She looks up and speaks, “I found out I can fit in this. And the cloth keeps me from the sunlight, so I was thinking—“

“Yes, I can finally take you with me!” Mika cuts her off. Xiangling giggles and her smile widens. “I can come with now, I mean if it’s okay with Kazuha…”

I contemplate for a moment before giving a nod. “I suppose, since I’m also coming along now… we just can’t let anyone find out about you.”

Mika looks at Xiangling. “We’ll make sure you’re hidden. Especially when it comes to anyone else in the Demon Slayer Corps.”

Xiangling climbs into the basket before speaking, “Please, I don’t want you two to get in trouble just because of me!” She then covers herself with the fabric as the morning sun starts to shine through the broken roof.

Mika picks up the basket, adjusting the shoulder straps. “Wow, she’s light! How convenient!” He says as he looks at me. “I guess we should go be productive now instead of just standing here.”

I nod in agreement, before turning on my heel and exiting the house with Mika following behind me.

I felt a pang of comfort in my heart, now knowing I had a trustworthy group I could travel with.

Chapter Text

Time flew by fast.

It had been a whole year since I started traveling with Mika and Xiangling. Our friendship bloomed quickly, which made everything easier. Every demon we encountered together were all caught off guard by Xiangling working with demon slayers. I had broken a lot of bones, fought like my life depended on it, and now after a while of resting, we were moving to our next mission.

Now I just had to hope this mission wouldn’t take all of my strength.

•~•

As we made it to our location, a large village that almost looked abandoned, I could already tell something was off.

“I don’t think this is gonna be like any demon we’ve ever fought…” Mika said. It sounded like he was talking to himself more than anyone.

Xiangling’s ears twitched before she looked at us. “I can sense there’s multiple demons here.” She closed her mouth and frowned so her fangs were hidden.

Multiple demons?… No way they could be working together, right?…

I then felt a presence behind me before a demon attacked.

I get trampled by the demon and struggle before Mika runs over.

He raises his sword and shouts, “Snow breathing! 2nd form!” And just like that, the demon was decapitated. It slowly turns to ash before I stand up.

“Thank you, Mika…”

Mika nods at me and smiles. “Alright, guys. We should keep moving before we get caught off guard again.”

•~•

Time had passed and it felt like the moonlight was getting brighter as we fought more demons. I was worn out, but Xiangling could still sense demons as we went.

As I sat down to take a breath, we heard a screech coming from one of the worn out buildings.

“What the hell?!” Mika exclaims.

Xiangling covers her ears. “There’s one more demon in the era! My senses feel different with this one!”

We cautiously approach the building before it gets completely destroyed.

My eyes widen as I take a step back, clutching onto my sword. “Who’s there?!” I shout, as if I can yell louder than the building collapsing.

In the distance I see a demon, but only his backside. Messy blonde hair… peacock feathers… talons for feet… I could see how brightly his eyes were glowing even from the back.

In front of the peacock demon was a man who was obviously another demon slayer, yet he looked almost untouched.

The slayer looked strong. I could tell he had been working out for years. His long white hair was flowing behind him, and was tied with a red ribbon that looked like it was about to fall out. I could tell he was kind, yet his gold eyes held pure anger for this demon. There was a cat around his shoulders which looked like a lion cub. It reminded me of Tomo’s cat…

“Can’t accept the fact you destroyed this entire village?” The man asks.

“It was a 50% chance my power was going to work, so it’s not entirely my fault for not knowing this place would collapse.” The demon says. How does demon power require chance and luck?

“No demon I’ve ever encountered has ever used chance on their own power,” the man says, his voice holding disbelief.

The demon chuckles and speaks again, “I’m just one of those special demons, or I suppose I’m an unlucky ducky.” The demon begins walking towards the other slayer. “I suppose I can bet on if I can truly kill you now… a shame you’re such a handsome man~”

“Wait!” I shout.

The demon turns towards me. I can now see his face clearly.

His eyes held the characters LOWER 2.

The man looks at me and speaks up. “More demon slayers? I sure didn’t expect that.” He thinks and smiles ever so slightly. “Please, I really don’t need reinforcements. I’m perfectly capable on my own.”

Mika speaks up. “We only came because we were sent here!” He adjusts the basket on his back. I noticed Xiangling hid while she had the chance so this human didn’t find her out.

The man hums and nods. “Alright then, if you say so.”

The demon then groans. “Ugh, quit the yapping already.” He then chuckles and speaks quietly, “Blood demon art… peacock’s calling!”

His bright purple eyes began to glow and his peacock feathers grew longer, beginning different attacks on their own.

As some come after me I manage to slash them away. I notice Mika struggling and I manage to him out.

The man was cutting through the feathers with no issue. The demon on the other hand was laughing to himself as we all struggle.

After a moment we all manage to cut up the feathers to where the destruction would stop for now.

The demon laughs manically. “Wow, you all sure are naturals at this, aren’t you?” He then disappeared before our eyes.

“Dammit…” the other slayer mumbles.

Mika was panting heavily, holding his right arm with one hand. Blood was seeping out.

“Mika!” I shout and run to him. “Just control your breathing. You need to stop the bleeding.”

Mika nods at me and takes a few shaky breaths, which slowly turned steady.

I look over at the man. “Who… who are you exactly?”

The man takes a deep breath and speaks, “Jing Yuan, lightning Hashira.” A Hashira… that makes a lot more sense. “But no need for introductions right now, we need to go after that demon before it’s too late.”

I nod and give Mika a reassuring look. “Just stay here while the bleeding stops, I’ll go with Jing Yuan.”

I follow Jing Yuan as he runs out. Wow, that man is fast…

We run and spot that cheeky peacock making its way to the remnants of homes. He looks back at up and smiles. “You poor things, you’ll run out of stamina before you can even behead me!”

Jing Yuan chuckles and takes a breath. “Please, I never run out…”

I look up at Jing Yuan with an admirable gaze.

After a bit of chasing, Jing Yuan finally manages to corner the demon. “Any last words?” Jing Yuan says, raising his huge sword.

“Just my luck, you cornered me. How depressing.” The demon almost sounded bored. I knew Jing Yuan could do it… the demon is only one of the lower ranks of the 12 Kizuki after all. But I couldn’t help but remember how strong this demon can actually be.

The demon laughs again. “Like you could possibly behead me… my neck is the strength of a gemstone—“

The demon’s eyes widen when Jing Yuan’s sword slashed through his neck, clean. “What was that?” Jing Yuan says.

“Did… you just…” the demon stutters out. I noticed he wasn’t fading away.

“Jing Yuan—“ I say before Jing Yuan cuts me off. “My sword is much more powerful than you could ever be.”

“You bastard! My head! My perfect head!”

“Jing Yuan, he isn’t dying!”

“Hm, it seems you’d be right…” Jing Yuan thinks. “What tricks do you have up your sleeve, demon?” The demon’s eyes return to normal instead of there wide state before he laughs. “Oh, you goose… this isn’t my main body!”

Jing Yuan’s eyes widen before the demon lets out an extremely loud bird call.

I cover my ears and look up at the rubble of the destroyed building behind him, noticing another presence.

“Hm… no need to scream, Aventurine. I’ll take it from here.”

Aventurine chuckles. “Thank you, Jade. I’ll just sit back and watch,” he says as he adjusts his head back onto his body.

The new demon, or Jade, was half snake, half woman. Her eyes were fully blue and her hair was long and pink. I saw the characters LOWER 2 in her eyes. Just like Aventurine… so she’s the main body…

She slithers towards us and smiles, placing her hands on her hips. “Hello, slayers. Seems you’re in for the fight of your lives tonight.”

Chapter Text

As Jade attacked I couldn’t help but wonder how strong the Upper Rank demons were. I knew Tomo was killed by an Upper Rank, and because of that I knew I’d slice whichever one killed him on sight.

Jade was fast. She slithered back and forth avoiding me and Jing Yuan’s slashes. I already had some of my own blood on me, and she didn’t even have a scratch from her regeneration abilities.

“I’ve killed you lower ranks before,” Jing Yuan says. “You are just another one of Morax’s weaklings he wants to sacrifice.”

Jade laughs.

“Of course a Hashira would believe such things.”

“It’s true, is it not?” Jing Yuan responds. “He could care less about you. You’re not going to last very long.”

Jade’s brows furrowed. “Do not speak that way about Lord Morax! He gave me blood so I could defeat you stupid fools!”

I glance between them. I couldn’t believe Jing Yuan was having a casual argument with this demon.

I shake my head and run at Jade once again with my sword, my eyes widening as she disappears into a purple smoke.

I look over at Jing Yuan who sighs. “I wish demons could just learn how to be civil for once…” he then smirks slightly and seems to vanish as he starts running again.

I try to keep up with him. Hashiras are way too fast!

•~•

We were now cautiously speed walking through the destroyed village. I stop before walking into a house that didn’t have any windows or doors. It felt so eerie…

Jing Yuan slowly follows behind me. “Why’d you stop so suddenly?”

“I think she’s hiding in here, though she’s not great at it because I can feel her watching us…”

“I get what you mean. Though you never know with demons. They could have eyes everywhere.”

I cautiously glance around before Jing Yuan suddenly shouts. “WATCH OUT!”

Before I could react, a pile of purple vipers fall on me from above.

I could feel a million bites cover me before blacking out.

{Mika’s POV}

I lean against the worn down walls that were freshly scratched up. I had managed to stop the bleeding from the wound on my arm, but it still hurt like hell.

Xiangling slowly emerged from her basket before sitting down next to me.

“I heard a lot of fighting, what happened?…”

I look over at her before answering. “A Lower Rank demon was in here… Kazuha and a Hashira are gone fighting it while I rest up a bit.”

Xiangling gingerly touches the wound on my arm. “Are you okay now?”

I nod. “Stopped the bleeding, I’ll be healed up in no time!”

I slowly take out my medical supplies before injecting myself with a medicine.

“What’s that?”

“Oh, just an antidote I made. I-I’m not really made for this demon slaying thing… I’m more of a medic.”

Xiangling nods, trying to understand as best as she could. “Oh, I see! So, it helps you heal and feel better?”

I nod. “I-I’m glad I can help you understand human stuff, Xiangling.”

She smiles. “There’s a Hashira, you said? They don’t know about me, right?”

“I’m not sure how long it’ll be until he finds out, but I’ll try to keep you a secret.”

“Thanks, Mika!” Xiangling gives me a gentle hug before standing up and sighing. “Now I’m getting kinda worried about Kazuha… what if he’s seriously hurt?”

“He’ll be okay. He’s strong and there’s a Hashira helping him out. We shouldn’t interfere…”

Xiangling hesitates before nodding. “Okay… I hope you’re right.”

{Kazuha’s POV}

Where the hell am I?…

I rub my eyes before looking down at myself, noticing I was wearing my everyday clothing and standing in the bright snow.

“Kazuha?… Kazuha!”

I look around before finding who was talking. It was my boyfriend, Shikanoin Heizou. But… didn’t he die?…

“Hey, you with me? You look spaced out.”

“H-Heizou?…” I manage to mutter.

He looks ag me, confused. “Are you okay? Your eyes are looking a bit watery.”

Heizou jumps when I wrap my arms around him in a tight hug. He feels my tears stain his kimono.

“Hey… hey. What’s going on?… look at me…” he whispers.

“I-I’m so sorry…” I mumble. Wait, why was I apologizing?

Heizou silently hugs me back before muttering. “It’s okay… just relax, I’m right here.”

I blink a few times before Heizou changed in front of me. He was now bloody all over and had a dead look in his eyes.

I looked down, noticing I now had my uniform and Tomo’s scarf on. There was blood on my hands. Blood on my hands because my own lover got killed because of me.

It was such a bloody scene. Heizou stumbles to me and places an apple in my hands. It reeked of blood and sin.

You should’ve died instead.

You deserve to burn in hell.

Take a bite.

Take a bite.
Take a bite.
Take a bite.

I lift the apple up to my lips before I wake up.

Chapter Text

I weakly sat up, noticing the obvious signs of poison all over my body. I felt paralyzed. I couldn’t move my legs.

My vision was blurry but I could make out Jing Yuan fighting Jade. He was slashing like his life depended on it, chopping off her tail so many times I didn’t know how her regeneration abilities could keep up. Snakes were everywhere on the ground. They were all slowly turning to ash. I most likely woke up when Jing Yuan killed them.

I made out a few words he said.

“Lightning breathing…”

Jade let out a shriek when Jing Yuan cut her head off along with her other limbs.

She slowly faded away as Jing Yuan swiftly made it to me.

“We need to get you to the Beauty Mansion right away…”

“W-where’s Mika a-and X-Xiangling?…”

As I asked that I heard footsteps. Mika ran into the house we were in, struggling to hold the basket.

“Kazuha!” His eyes widen. “Y-you look horrible, what happened?!”

I only let out a grunt and wince from the poison.

Mika quickly gets his syringe out and kneels next to me.

Jing Yuan thinks for a moment before speaking. “Who is this ‘Xiangling’ you speak of?” He glanced at the basket. “Ah… there’s a person in there. Or a demon, perhaps?”

Mika’s eyes widen as he injects me with his antidote. “I-I… I can explain that…”

“I’d love to have a civil discussion, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to let you off so easily.” Jing Yuan watches as Mika puts his medical supplies away. “There’ll be a lot going on with you when you meet the Master.”

He hits Mika’s neck with his hand, causing him to blackout immediately.

“W-what are you doing?…” I manage to whisper out.

“You don’t need to worry, you just need to focus on healing when I take you to the Beauty Mansion.”

I pass out from the poison and fall into a deep sleep.

•~•
{Mika’s POV}

I wake up, immediately rubbing my neck since it was sore from the Hashira’s hit.

I sit up, slightly dizzy. I notice it was now daytime, and I was laying on gravel. Xiangling’s basket was right beside me as if it was acting as a shield.

“Are you alright, dear?”

I hear a soft feminine voice come from above me. I look up, finally noticing the woman that was watching me.

She had a demon slayer uniform with a pink and orange haori.

She had long, light blue hair that was pulled back and bright green and blue eyes. I thought it was an interesting detail that she had white bird wings with lavender tips on the back of her head.

I noticed her eyes glimmering with worry.

“Robin.”

I look over, noticing a man walking over.

“You don’t have to worry about him. He’s the kid that’s carrying a demon with him, remember?”

The woman, or Robin, responds. “I know, but I feel bad… he’s just a teen, Gallagher. I don’t think he should have any harsh punishment…”

Gallagher’s amber eyes were practically burning into me.

“W-where am I?” I manage to say aloud.

“You’re at the Demon Slayer Corps, child.” Robin says.

I manage to fully come to my senses and notice the 7 other demon slayers kneeling down next to each other, including the one hanging upside down in a tree. I saw Jing Yuan sitting amongst them, finally realizing who these people were.

I was currently in the hands of the Hashira.

•~•

The screen doors to the mansion I was in front of slide open.

A woman with a leader like aura stepped out with a boy that was helping her walk.

All the Hashira surrounding me immediately bowed down as soon as they saw them.

The woman had purple hair with golden hair pieces. Her kimono and haori had such a delicate design. Despite being intimidating, I could tell she most likely had a soft side.

The boy looked to be her son. He had blue hair and didn’t seem to have any light in his eyes.

“Show some respect to the Master, would you?”

The man who was previously hanging from the tree was now on the ground. He was Kinich, the sound Hashira.

“S-sorry!” I immediately bowed down as the Master and her child kneeled down in front of us. They looked even more intimidating from being above us and in the shade.

“You’re Mika, correct?” The Master asks me.
Her voice was so soft it seemed scary.

“Y-yes, I am.”

“And you’re carrying that demon girl with you?”

“Yes… I am…” I glance down almost shamefully.

“Master Ei, I apologize for speaking without asking first, but is it truly allowed for a slayer to be traveling with a demon?” The woman now speaking was Chiori, the fabric Hashira.

Master Ei hums. “It is indeed against the rules of the Corps, but something like this happening is definitely not… impossible.”

She then gestures towards the basket. “Kuni, would you mind bringing that up to me?”

The boy gets up and swiftly grabs Xiangling’s basket, bringing it to Master Ei.

I felt a pang in my chest. What if she decided to do something drastic to her?…

She slowly took the fabric from the box, revealing Xiangling sitting inside. She slowly stood up and rubbed her eyes, exiting the basket cautiously.

Master Ei looks up at her and begins interrogating her. “Tell me, if I slit my wrist would you thirst over my blood?”

Xiangling’s eyes widened at the sudden question.

I shout an answer at her instinctively. “Xiangling would never hurt a human! She has self control!!”

I suddenly get hit by one of the Hashiras, looking up to see Xiao, the mist Hashira. He glares at me and speaks. “Only answer Master Ei when she is directly speaking to you.”

I cough up some blood from his hit.

Master Ei stands and lifts up her sleeve, drawing blood with her nails.

Xiangling stares at the blood for a moment before looking up at her. “Blood doesn’t appeal me as it should. I-I find it bitter tasting. Sleeping is one of the only other ways I can regain my strength.”

She grabs Master Ei’s arm, lowering it down. She wipes off some drool that was starting to drip from her mouth from seeing the blood. It was a natural response since she was a demon.

The Hashiras all seem shocked at what they’ve witnessed, but I knew Xiangling could prove them wrong.

Master Ei hums, which seemed to be an instinctive response to most things. “I see…” she places a hand on Xiangling’s forehead before saying, “you are kind, I can tell. You must be starving, yet you find a way to fight off instincts.” She pauses and turns towards the rest of us. “Do not kill this girl nor Mika, they have proven us wrong.”

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. I felt so much relief I didn’t even comprehend what one of the Hashiras said.

“Man, I was hoping we could’ve killed this kid. I haven’t used my sword in a hot minute.” Wriothesley, the wolf Hashira commented.

Another speaks up. This time it was Argenti, the beauty Hashira. “I think it’s quite beautiful how human this demon girl is, don’t you think?…”

“I agree with Argenti. She has a kind soul, and so does this poor child, Nilou, the lotus Hashira said.

“We can discuss this all in a meeting.” Master Ei kneels down once again, watching as Xiangling crawls back into her basket. “This should be a private conversation, not an open one. Take Mika and the demon to the Beauty Mansion for recovery.”

I then remember how hard Xiao hit my back. It felt like something was broken. I almost wanted to cry, but I didn’t want to look weak in front of a bunch of higher ups!

Me and Xiangling were then taken away to the place called the Beauty Mansion.

Chapter Text

{Kazuha’s POV}

I’m not sure how long I slept; it could’ve been only a few hours, or it could’ve been days. God, I felt so weak. I don’t know how I made it out alive.

If that Hashira wasn’t there I might as well have been dead.

My vision finally came into focus before I saw two kids standing next to my bed. One had long light blue hair with purple eyes, and the other had blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail with gold eyes.

They were both boys that looked around 10.

“Is he alive?” The blonde one asks, his voice a whisper. The blue haired one nudges his shoulder. “Obviously, his eyes are open, Yanqing!”

I squint and try sitting up.

The blonde one, Yanqing, speaks up while pushing me down on the bed I was in. “Don’t try to move, you’re still recovering! Argenti wanted us to watch you to make sure you were resting!”

“Who’s Argenti?…” I manage to get out.

“The beauty Hashira!” The blue haired boy says. “This is his mansion. It’s like the safe spot for slayers!”

“Misha and I were also here to give you your medicine.” Yanqing adds on. The blue haired one, Misha, gives me a cup of green liquid that looked like tea. I drink it, not noticing the bad taste.

“Thank you…” I mutter with a small smile on my face.

“Of course! You’ll be back to fighting demons when you get through rehab.” Yanqing remarks.

Rehab… makes sense. I hope it’ll be easy to get through.

•~•

After a few weeks of the hell that was rehab, I was finally back on my feet. I was finally training with my sword again and working out like I used to. I had also started learning concentration breathing, which Yanqing was able to help me with.

I was outside during the day, once again training. I was swinging my sword when I heard a familiar voice.

“Kazuha! You look a lot better than before now!”

My best friend Mika called out to me, waving his hand around. He runs towards me and smiles. “I’m so glad you’re better! I was getting worried you would never recover.”

“Of course I am. A bunch of snakes can’t stop me.” I begin to swing my katana again as Mika stands next to me, taking out his own sword to follow my movements.

I did enjoy training with Mika, it felt nice having a friend around.

I stop and look over at him. “How is Xiangling? Is she okay?”

Mika nods. “Yeah, she’s fine. She’s been sleeping in one of the dark bedrooms in the mansion. She has her own ways of staying strong.”

Mika had told me all about his meeting with the Hashira while I was recovering. It had obviously been a nerve-wracking experience, and I was happy knowing Xiangling was still safe after everything.

We trained for the rest of the day before retreating to bed.

•~•
{Nilou’s POV}

I was kneeling in front of the engawa of the Master’s mansion.

Master Ei looked as elegant as ever, kneeling down with a pensive expression on her face. She looked up at me and Gallagher, closing her eyes for a moment.

“I have a mission for the two of you. There’s been suspicions about a demon lurking in Yoshiwara.” Master Ei says.

Yoshiwara… that was the Entertainment District. A lively place, especially at night.

Gallagher then speaks up. “Master, I accept, though I do have a request.”

She looks at him and nods. “Do tell.”

“That… Kazuha boy. Jing Yuan told me a bit about him, and I want to request he comes with us. He’s strong, I know he’ll push through.”

Master Ei tilts her head and then smiles ever so slightly. “Of course. I’ve heard a bit about him as well. I’m sure the 3 of you can do it.”

I finally talk, speaking quietly. “Thank you for believing in us, Master…”

She nods and looks at me. “I trust you both, I know you’ve done missions together in the past, I’m sure Kazuha will add onto your strength. You are excused.”

Gallagher and I stand up and walk away from the Master.

•~•
{Misha’s POV}

I’ve always wanted to see Gallagher’s fighting up close.

Sneaking out of the Beauty Mansion and eavesdropping on the Master’s conversation was probably not how I should’ve spent part of my night.

Hearing that Gallagher would be going on a mission to Yoshiwara just made me want to see him even more. Fighting in the Entertainment District sounded like the coolest thing ever.

I was determined to see Gallagher in battle.

Chapter Text

Putting on a beautiful kimono was the last thing I thought I’d be doing before leaving to fight a demon.

The delicate fabric fit so perfectly over me, the blue and white ocean patterns combining with my red hair. I tied my hair into 2 ponytails that fell over my shoulders as I always did.

I adjusted the bow on the front of the kimono.
It’s going to get destroyed eventually… I thought to myself.

I finish applying some makeup before getting up and heading out.

•~•
{Kazuha’s POV}

How the hell did I get into this position?

Walking around the bright Entertainment District with horribly applied makeup and kimono was not how I was expecting to spend my night.

Nilou and Gallagher looked great, and I felt like an idiot. If only Gallagher didn’t decide to help me with my makeup.

“I’m not sure if this disguise will help me find the demon,” I say quietly, my left hand tugging on my sleeve.

Gallagher pats my head and his lips twitch up into a smile when he looks at my makeup covered face. “Hey, it’s whatever gets us closest to the bastard.”

I glance at him before responding. “And how do you expect to sell me off to a house when I look like this?”

“I’ll give them you for free, obviously.” Gallagher had a stupid smirk on his face when he said that.

“Guys, be nice…” Nilou says. “We won’t get anywhere if we just stand here.”

I noticed how beautiful she looked; there was no doubt someone would try taking her fast. And then there was me of course.

•~•

I was right. Nilou was sold off immediately, almost as soon as we started walking. I was now stuck with Gallagher, attempting to get rid of me as fast as possible.

He walks me up to one of the houses, the owners of the house were sitting there. They looked like an old marry couple, waiting while the night was still lit up.

Gallagher took some time conversing and presenting me to them.

The woman looked at me and her eyebrows raised fast. “Well, I don’t think she’s exactly what we’re looking for!”

Gallagher sighed. “Are you sure? Kaho here perfect for being an entertainer. You don’t even need to show her face to anyone honestly. Come on, Kaho, do something to impress them at least!”

“I think maybe you should just try somewhere else—“ the man’s voice cuts off as he sees me pull out a leaf.

I look Gallagher dead in the eye and start blowing on the leaf, making sound produce.

Gallagher looks at me dumbfounded and raises an eyebrow. My brows furrow as I continue to play my leaf.

It goes on for a while before the old guy speaks up. “Alright, alright! Enough of that, we’ll just take her!”

I put the leaf away and glare at Gallagher. He had a look that basically said “thank the gods above.”

•~•
{Nilou’s POV}

It had been a while since I got sold off. I had become an entertainer for the time being. It was temporary, but I needed to work hard enough to where this demon would show itself.

I had managed to impress with my looks and dancing skills. Before I became a demon slayer, I was a dancer. I didn’t think I still had it in me, but it came naturally when I showed my talent.

I had seen the Oiran for this house only a bit after I got here. I could tell right away that she was a kind soul. As soon as I looked at her she gave me the most gentle smile. That passed by quickly, though. A while had went by since that simple interaction.

I was walking through the house when suddenly I saw the Oiran’s kamuro walking together, worried looks on their young faces. The two little girls stopped when they saw me approaching.

I stop in front of them and observe their expressions. “What’s the matter?… Did something happen?”

“Miss Oiran is missing!” One of them squeaked. “We can’t find her anywhere in the house!”

I felt a pang in my chest. “You… can’t find her anywhere?” I think for a moment. “Maybe she’s just playing with you, you know? I’m sure she’ll come back eventually.”

“Yeah, maybe…” the other little girl said.

“We love playing with Miss Oiran!”

I smile ever so slightly. “Just don’t try to worry too much. I’m sure she’ll come back to you!”

The two girls giggle a bit before running off to try finding the Oiran.

They were happy, but I was afraid I was lying to them by saying what I said. I think for a moment, realizing the demon could be in this very house.

•~•

I settle down on my futon, trying to get comfortable, but the paranoia was still very much there. I sigh and let my hair fall free. I then take a few deep breaths, trying to calm the feeling.

I jump when I feel a tap on my shoulder. I look up, seeing Gallagher standing above me.

“Oh my! When did you get in here? How did you get in here?”

“You know me, I have my strange ways.” He grins and kneels down beside the futon.

“So, any luck?” I shake my head at his question. He grunted and responded. “Yeah, me neither. Don’t know how that Kaedehara kid is doing, though.”

I nod. “I’m a bit worried about him… I hope he’s alright.”

“He’s strong, he’ll be fine.”

I felt my paranoid feeling go away slightly with the comfort of my friend being here with me. I wished this was just a fun hangout other than a hunt for a demon.

We chat for a while before I suddenly cut myself off. I look at the futon, noticing watery red liquid beginning to stain it. A drop lands on my forehead. It looked like blood mixed with water.

I let out a shaky breath before glancing up at the ceiling above me.

Oh god.

Chapter Text

What Gallagher and I were greeted with was the last thing I ever wanted to see after finally calming my nerves.

The Oiran of the house was attached to the ceiling. Her eyes were rolled back and her jaw was snapped out of place. Water and blood dripped from her mouth. Her limbs were tangled together, and her kimono was soaked. I noticed the Oiran’s hair was pulled down from her pins and was hanging in front of her face in a soggy mess.

I couldn’t tell if the ache in my throat was from me holding in tears or puke.

“H-how did that get there?” I manage to stutter out. I was in so much shock that I could barely process what was happening.

I looked over at Gallagher. His eyes were ever so slightly wide and his brows were furrowed. He didn’t look all that shocked, probably because I knew he’s seen stuff like this before.

I watched as he stood up. “The demon is here…” he muttered out, though it was barely audible.

I shakily get to my feet. I look down at my socks that had some watery blood on them now. I stumbled a bit from how bad I was shaking. I had to calm down fast.

Gallagher placed my hands on my shoulders and turned me to look at him.

“Hey, deep breaths. It’ll be alright, okay?”

“Th-the Oiran! I-I lied to those two girls! I-I told them she would come back!” My chest was heaving as I spoke, and my head felt cold from how fast I was breathing.

I could barely hear anymore. My world was spinning from guilt. Those girls… those sweet little girls that just wanted to play with the Oiran.

I didn’t realize it when Gallagher lowered me to the ground. His touch was so gentle. It was like a soft breeze on a rainy day…

•~•
{Kazuha’s POV}

I finally got some of that god awful makeup off of my face with the sleeve of my kimono.

I was currently pacing the house before I heard panicked yelling coming from one of the rooms.

I perked up as soon as I heard it, my instincts kicking in immediately. I ran to the commotion, sliding the screen open. I wasn’t even paying attention to the fact my socks started to soak up water.

In the room were some of the entertainers. The area was flooding. I could smell the salt mixed with a metallic scent… the smell of blood.

“What’s going on? I heard yelling,” I say, my tone calm.

One of the women looks over at me. “Water just started coming out of nowhere! We have no clue what’s going on!”

The water got higher as I stepped closer to them. “You should get to safety, I can handle this.”

“Miss Kaho, it’s alright. Please, just go about your night,” another one said. But no one else seemed to agree. All of them stumbled out of the room quickly, though the one that just spoke stayed.

She looked down and noticed how the water was getting red. “I don’t think that’s normal…”

“Definitely not.” I walk closer to her, inspecting the wall with a pensive look.

“Do you know what you’re doing?” The woman says. She seemed a bit worried. “I can help if you need it, Kaho.”

I smile reassuringly. “It’s okay, really.” I look up at the ceiling for a moment. “Also, it actually isn’t Kaho… I’m Kaedehara Kazuha. And I’m a boy, not a woman…”

“A… boy?” She looks at my face for a moment. “Ah, I think I can see it now.”

She grabs her long black hair and lifts it up so it doesn’t get wet. “I’m Yun Jin, and… well I am a girl.”

I smile at that. “Yun Jin… alright, I’ll keep that in mind.”

Before we can discuss anything further, the ceiling crashes down. I quickly grab Yun Jin and jump out of the way before we get hit.

We quickly recover, now being on the ground and in the water.

I look up.

Standing before us was a demon. It had light blue skin with shimmering fish scales. It had a tail, but it looked like a dragons tail…

Her hair was pink and long, having blue at the ends. She was wearing a torn up kimono that was falling off one of its shoulders. She slowly turns around to look at us.

Her eyes were white with the characters LOWER 1. For a moment it looked like she didn’t even have a nose. She had incredibly sharp teeth with blood surrounding her mouth. White pearls covered her body, looking like they were sinking into her skin.

I look over at Yun Jin. “Miss Yun, you need to get to safety. I can handle this myself.”

“But—“

“Please.”

She reluctantly agreed before getting up and running away.

As I turned my head to face the demon again, the water was gone and she had already disappeared.

Dammit… this is going to be harder than I thought.

•~•
{Gallagher’s POV}

Nilou and I sped through the house as fast as we could. We had managed to get back into our uniforms after she had calmed down.

Parts of the flooring was wet and people were evacuating the house.

Nilou looked over at me before speaking up. “We need to get to Kazuha, fast.”

I nod, picking up my pace slightly. My hand was resting on my sword, ready to pull it out if necessary. I felt like I was being watched from every corner.

We turned a corner and were greeted with another gory sight.

The two kamuro Nilou mentioned to me earlier were attached to the wall, tangled in a broken bloody mess.

Their arms were wrapped around each other, as if they were holding one another. Every joint was twisted around in ways they weren’t supposed to be. Their heads were snapped out of place, and they looked like they were drowning. Water and blood was all over the girls’ kimonos and faces, seaweed tangled in their soaked hair.

“Holy shit…” I muttered to myself.

It suddenly felt cold. I look over to where Nilou was standing. She had suddenly disappeared. The only thing left was her haori and a puddle of water where she should have been standing.

Chapter Text

{Nilou’s POV}

The water around me felt thick with blood and remains of the demon’s victims. I could barely open my eyes. It was so dark… I felt so scared.

My body felt heavy. I felt the urge to take in a breath, but I knew water would be the only thing filling my lungs. I couldn’t give into that temptation. I couldn’t let the demon win.

My eyes began to slowly close. I tried to fight for consciousness, but it was no use. I should just give up now…

•~•

My eyes open. Suddenly I was standing in the sunlight. My friends were standing with me, laughing and talking.

I look down. I was wearing my favorite kimono. The white fabric with the blue lotus flowers filled me with nostalgia.

I glanced around at the group, my breath picking up slightly. I felt like I wanted to cry, but I held it together.

One of my friends looks over at me. “Nilou, are you alright? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” When I didn’t respond they walked up to me and tapped me on the shoulder. It felt so real.

I clear my throat and shake my head before responding. “I’m alright, I just spaced off for a moment.”

They looked skeptical, but shrugged it off. “Alright! Whatever you say. We trust you.”

They all gather around me. A little girl runs over to me, holding up a flower crown. “Nilou! Do a dance! Do a dance, please!” She squealed.

I let out a quiet laugh before taking the flowers and placing them on my head. “Alright, alright. I shall give you all a special performance, okay?”

I take a few steps back. The group all stood there and watched in awe as I began my dance. My feet and hands moved in a way that felt so familiar. My kimono sleeves swayed around in gentle waves. I close my eyes as my movements become familiar.

As I spun around I could feel the scene change. My eyes flutter open and I notice I was in my demon slayer uniform. My haori was flowing in the gentle night breeze.

I was dancing by a pond, my shoes gently moving the gravel beneath me around.

My steps began to falter, and I felt myself getting lightheaded.

In the pond I saw a demon rise out. She slowly walked across the water, her pink hair flowing behind her. She looked so graceful, yet so terrifying. The way her scales and pearls shimmered was enchanting.

That’s right… I was currently unconscious underwater. But…

How is the demon in my dream?

I look down, noticing my haori was gone and my uniform was torn up, blood seeping from scratches on my skin.

I was frozen in place. I had to get out of this trance, and fast.

The water demon got closer and closer. I couldn’t give up. I couldn’t die yet. I had to live to see another day.

I close my eyes and think of my friends from the past. I think of every moment I had before I became a Hashira.

The demon lunges at me. With a sudden movement I swiftly take my sword out.

“Lotus breathing, 1st form…”

I spin around and slice the demons arms off, waking up from my dream. I emerge from a puddle in the ground, still in my formation.

“Twirling petals in the wind!”

•~•

I land on my feet next to the puddle. My entire body stung, but I took no notice of it.

I was now outside of all of the houses in the district.

“Nilou!”

I hear Kazuha’s voice from behind. I turn my back and smile. I saw him and Gallagher running towards me.

“Good, you’re both alright!” I say, giving them a gentle wave. I felt blood trickle down my face; the demon most likely fought my unconscious body underwater.

Gallagher looked down at me. “Nilou…” he began, grabbing my shoulders and turning me around. “What’s this on your back?”

“What do you mean? What do you see?”

“Your uniform is ripped. There’s a lotus mark on your back,” Kazuha explains.

I tilt my head and turn back around to face them. “Lotus mark?… I’ve never seen that on me before.”

“Hm… y’know, I’m pretty sure I’ve heard things about ‘Hashira markings’ before. That could be it, but I’d ask the Master about it. She would know more than me,” Gallagher says, scratching the back on his neck.

“Even though I almost died, I honestly feel great right now.” My tone was calm despite the fact my whole body was aching.

Kazuha suddenly speaks up. “Are you sure you’re alright?”

I nod. “I’ll be okay. For now, let’s focus on the mission.”

All of a sudden I heard footsteps behind us. The demon was approaching slowly, her dragon tail swaying behind her. She smiled before simply saying, “hello.”

Gallagher grunts before taking out his sword and lunging towards her.

Their voices overlapped each other, each planning different attacks.

“Dream breathing, 5th form…”

“Blood demon art…”

“Sleep paralysis!”

“Acid rain flood!”

Chapter Text

{Gallagher’s POV}

I slice the demon upwards, my blade stopping at her chin.

She was paralyzed for the moment, but that didn’t mean her blood demon art didn’t work.

All of a sudden houses in the district were destroyed by a flood of green-ish blue water. I took in a breath, the toxic air around the water burning the back of my throat.

“Gallagher!”

I heard Nilou call out to me before the waters consumed us.

As soon as I got pulled in my skin began to burn. I covered my mouth and nose so I wouldn’t accidentally try to breathe in the toxic liquid.

My eyelids grew heavy before I fell into a deep sleep.

•~•

I suddenly wake up, realizing the flood was gone. Looking around, I see Nilou in the distance, still standing and holding her sword.

Kazuha was only a few feet away from me, lying on the ground in a daze.

I sit up, trying to fight the aches in my body. I bring my hand up, wiping a stream of blood that was dripping out of my mouth.

Nilou and the demon were still fighting.

I could see her violently shaking from chemical burns, but she was standing strong.

That’s when I suddenly saw someone stumble out from behind a pile of destroyed wood. It was a child. A young boy.

It was Misha.

He was limping and was red from chemical burns. His clothes were soaked from the water.

Misha picked up his pace ever so slightly before shouting, “g-guys!”

Nilou was in the middle of an attack before turning her head towards him, her hand that was holding her sword faltering.

“Misha?…”

The demon took the distraction as an opportunity to land a hit.

I could barely see what attack the demon did before I saw Nilou’s right arm get sliced off.

“NILOU!” I managed to shout despite the pain in my throat. I grab my sword that was partially roughed up from the flood, getting back onto my feet.

Nilou cries out and falls to her knees, grabbing her right shoulder.

“Kazuha, you have to get up, now!” I yell at him. Kazuha hears me, shakily sitting up.

“W-what?” He questioned. He suddenly realized what happened, seeing Nilou’s arm in the distance and the bloody situation she was currently in.

I help Kazuha stand to his feet. “Help me out, will ya?”

He manages to get his sword out before nodding at me. I nod back in response before running towards the demon, who was approaching Nilou.

We get into the mindset of our own breathing styles. We split up and lunge at the demon from both sides.

With our combined strength, me and Kazuha’s blades slice right through the demon’s neck.

Her head flew off and landed only a few feet away, her body already beginning to fade away.

I take in a shaky breath before looking over at Misha, who was in pure shock.

I drop my sword and stumble over to him. “What the hell are you doing here? You should be at the Beauty Mansion!” I exclaim.

Misha fidgets with his sleeve and looks away from me. “I-I know, I just… I…”

“Just what?”

He glances around the destroyed district before mumbling, “I don’t know…”

I look over at Kazuha, who was helping Nilou calm down.

I sigh before walking over to them and kneeling down. I glance down at Nilou’s haori that I’ve been holding onto this entire time.

I take it and wrap it around her shoulders before saying, “control your breathing, try to stop the bleeding for now.”

She nods before taking in a few shaky breaths that slowly turned soft and slow.

Kazuha suddenly speaks up. “Who… who is that over there?”

I turn my head in the direction he was looking and notice a pair of red eyes in the distance, staring right at us.

They slowly approached, giving us a few claps that almost sounded sarcastic.

It was a demon. She had a set of 4 black eyes that held the characters UPPER 1, with the eyes underneath having glowing red X’s in them.

Her hair was white and black, partly falling over her face and the rest being pulled back into a long ponytail.

She was wearing a sleeveless grey top that went up to her neck, and her arms had black stripes that circled around her biceps. Her lower hands were faded black with long red nails. Her pants were black with red lace on the sides. I noticed she was wearing heels that were so sharp they could pierce through flesh.

The demon stops in front of us, her claps stopping.

“Very fun… what an entertaining fight.” She looking down at the fading body of that water demon. “Poor thing. Little Kokomi didn’t stand a chance. That blood Lord Morax gave her was pointless.”

She looks over at Misha, smiling ever so slightly.

“What an innocent little boy. You must be so terrified, aren’t you?” She says, mockingly.

I reach out and grab my sword, gesturing at Kazuha to help Nilou while I dealt with the demon.

Misha stares at the demon. He seems almost fascinated despite the fact an upper rank was speaking to him. Upper 1 to be exact.

I stand to my feet. “Misha, get behind me, now.”

Misha didn’t react to what I said. The demon began walking to him, her heels piercing the ground.

“Misha!” I lunged forwards and grab him, pulling him away and pushing him back.

He stumbles and lands next to where Nilou and Kazuha were sitting.

Nilou wraps her left arm around Misha, pulling him close to her side as Kazuha wrapped his scarf around the part of her arm that was still attached.

The demon laughs and turns to face me. “My, someone is protective, hm?” She then clears her throat before saying, “I am The Knave, otherwise known as Arlecchino. I would love having a civil conversation, but testing your strength sounds more enjoyable.”

Chapter Text

{Kazuha’s POV}

I had finished tying my, or Tomo’s scarf around what Nilou had left of her arm. My hands were shaking so badly that it probably wasn’t tight enough to prevent any more bleeding.

I turned my head to find Gallagher fighting Arlecchino.

Of all demons, Upper 1 isn’t what I expected. From my knowledge she’s one of the most powerful demons to exist, being above in strength compared to the rest of the upper and lower demons.

I found myself admiring Gallagher’s swordsmanship. I could see why he was a Hashira now.

“Oh my, almost got me that time! I’m almost impressed.” Arlecchino laughed and threw a few more attacks at him. It looked like a mix of flames and spiderwebs.

Misha was watching in fear. His eyes were wide and he was shaking slightly.

“I wanna help…” he muttered.

Nilou’s grip on him tightens slightly. “Y-you can’t, sweetie. It’s too dangerous, just let him handle this until the sun comes up.”

I sigh and get to my feet, silently watching the battle. The chemical burns on my body stung, but I managed to ignore them.

Arlecchino notices me and takes it as a sign that I wanted to intervene.

She attempts to land a hit on me. I block myself with my arms before realizing Gallagher was now standing in front of me, blocking her attack.

He looks back at me. “Stay back, alright? Let me handle this on my own.”

Gallagher flashes a smile at me before immediately locking back in and landing a hit on the demon.

Jesus, this man was fast.

A few minutes had passed, or maybe it could’ve been hours. I wasn’t even keeping track at this point.

Gallagher was bleeding in some areas and parts of his uniform were torn up.

Arlecchino remained unharmed.

For Upper 1, she wasn’t doing any crazy attacks. She seemed like she was having fun messing around with Gallagher, testing how well a Hashira was compared to her.

I notice Nilou’s grip of Misha faltered slightly.

He took that as an opportunity to get away from us and run towards the fight.

“No!” Nilou shouted. She weakly began to stand before falling back down.

My eyes widened before I began to go after Misha. “Misha, hey, don’t get involved!”

“G-Gallagher! Wait, I can help too!” He cried out

He gets way too close, causing a distraction. Gallagher’s brows furrowed when his attack was interrupted, his steps faltering before he pushed Misha away from him.

“GET AWAY, NOW!”

Arlecchino then chuckled darkly, and snapped her fingers.

I saw her manifest a scythe and slashed a few times, bright flashes of red X’s blinding me for a moment.

•~•

I blink a few times, my vision coming back to me. I was now kneeling on the ground next to Nilou, who looked horrified.

“What?…” I look over at where Gallagher was standing, or where he should’ve been standing.

His body was on the ground. A thick puddle of blood was growing underneath him.

My heart began to pound faster as I realized his head wasn’t attached to his body anymore.

Arlecchino was standing above the body, Gallagher’s head handing from her hand. Her fingers were tangled in his hair, a bloodbath forming beneath them.

“What a pretty trophy to display…” she mutters.

She glances back as she notices dawn approaching. “Oh dear, it seems our encounter has come to an end. Bye-bye now, slayers.”

“NO!” I yell before she disappears from our sight.

I run over and fall next to Gallagher’s body. His blood was getting on my clothes, but I didn’t care.

I take in a shaky breath before looking up at Misha. His eyes were wide and his mouth was agape. Sweat ran down his face. He looked like he was about to throw up.

I get back on my feet. “Why… w-why the hell did you do that?! What the fuck made you feel the need to get in the way?!”

I grab Misha by his shoulders and yell again. “WHY DIDN’T YOU LISTEN AND STAY BACK?!”

“K-Kazuha!” Nilou managed to get up, stumbling slightly before running to us. “D-don’t yell at him, please!”

“I-I’m sorry… I-I’m so sorry… I-I just wanted to help… I wanted… I-I wanted to be just like him,” Misha stuttered out.

Tears fell down his face before a sob escaped his throat.

Nilou’s eyes began to water before thick tears made a stream on her cheeks. She wrapped her arm around Misha, pulling him into a hug.

I looked down at what remained of Gallagher. “Th-that demon deserves to burn in hell… that bastard!!”

“Misha!” I hear someone from behind call out.

Peoples footsteps get closer to us. I stiffly turn towards them, noticing Argenti, the beauty Hashira. Next to him was the girl that was basically the nurse of the Beauty Mansion, Noelle.

Along with them was the Kakushi, the people that helped clean up after a battle.

Two of them picked up Gallagher’s body while the others examined the area.

Argenti and Noelle stop in front of us.

“Misha, why are you out here? Don’t you know how dangerous this is?” Argenti exclaims.

“What happened around here?…” Noelle asks. Her soft voice contrasted with the terrible images that remained in my head.

Misha bows his head shamefully, exiting Nilou’s embrace.

“Miss Nilou, your arm…”

Nilou looks up at Argenti and smiles, the tears still flowing freely down her cheeks. “I-it’s okay, it’s okay. D-don’t worry about me.”

I then glance over at the crow that was perched above the house remains.

Chapter Text

{Arlecchino’s POV}

My heels made satisfying clicks as they touched the ground of the Infinity Castle.

I glanced downwards at the head in my grasp, the man’s dark hair intertwined in my fingers. I then stopped walking and held it up. I looked into his lifeless, amber eyes that were rolled back.

“Oh me, oh my! Look who’s finally back.”

I look over at the voice, noticing a clone of me. I knew who it was; it was Sparkle. I observe her eyes, noticing the characters UPPER 4 where UPPER 1 would be in mine.

“Can’t you just be yourself? I’m not in the mood for your silly games,” I say, a hint of annoyance in my voice.

Sparkle laughs before shapeshifting into her true form.

Her brown pigtails swayed as she leaned forward, and her face was concealed by a fox mask.

She notices the head and laughs. “Wow, good catch, Knavey!” Sparkle wraps her arms around her back before saying, “Lord Morax is going to be so mad, you know that right? You came back with a head, but no blue spider lily. How sad.”

“Shut it,” I snap back at her. “I was indeed looking for it, but how could I resist a one-on-one battle with a Hashira?”

Sparkle hums and pokes the head’s nose. “Decapitating a Hashira, but at what cost?” She then looks up at me. “Come on, Arle. We were summoned to a meeting, weren’t we?”

I watched as she skipped off, her shoes tapping annoyingly against the ground.

•~•

Lord Morax stood above us. His black and golden clothing gleamed in the dim lighting of the castle.

I watched as his dragon horns sparkled as he moved his head around to look at each of us.

Around me was the rest of the Upper Moons, including Sparkle bowing down next to me.

The rest I could point out easily.

There was Upper 6, Yae Miko. The title Upper 5 belonged to both Lyney and Lynette. Upper 3, Dan Heng. And then there was Upper 2, Jingliu.

“It’s been too many years,” Lord Morax started. “And not one of you has ever stumbled upon the spider lily I seek.”

One of the twins, Lyney, speaks up, “Lord Morax, isn’t it time to jump to the conclusion that it doesn’t exist anymore?”

Lord Morax shot daggers at Lyney. “How dare you even assume something like that, Upper 5.” He paces around in front of us. “Do not ever speak like that to me.”

“I know, I know. But I’m just saying—“

Lyney sentence was cut short as his jaw exploded into a thick waterfall of blood. He was stunned for a moment before regenerating the lower half of his face.

“Ah, I take back what I said! Good one, Lord Morax!” He laughed out, nervously.

Lyney’s twin sister glared at him. “You really need to watch your mouth around him, Lyney,” Lynette muttered.

Lord Morax turned his attention to me. “Arlecchino, I’m especially disappointed in you. You’re the one I rely on the most, are you not?”

“That is correct. I apologize for being irresponsible. If it makes you feel any better, I murdered a powerful Hashira this morning. It was a close fight,” I explain.

“That is not an excuse. You had one job, and not even you could accomplish it. Do not make me give you a horrendous punishment for your incompetence.”

Lord Morax then vanished into a black smoke, leaving us alone.

Lyney stands up, his hand moving his jaw around. “How mean of him, that really hurt!”

“That’s what happens when you make Lord Morax mad,” Dan Heng explains. “To me it sounded like you were trying to rile him up on purpose.”

“Hey, it can be funny at times. I mean, only when I’m not the one getting hurt!” Lyney exclaimed.

Yae Miko sways the gohei in her hand around. She rises to her feet, her kitsune tail swinging in the process. “It’s entertaining how you think this is all just a game, don’t you think?” The former shrine maiden walks over to Lyney and taps his forehead with her gohei. “You sly little cat, always feeling a sense of pride when Lord Morax gets angered, hm?”

I look over at Jingliu, who was retreated in a corner. Her eyes were covered by a mask with a crescent moon, but I could tell she was staring down each of us individually.

She was always a bit too peaceful.

I noticed Dan Heng rising to his feet before vanishing completely, followed by Jingliu.

“What a great discussion we had, hmm?” Sparkle laughs before skipping away.

The rest of the demons left, leaving me behind with Lyney and Lynette.

Lynette glanced up at me before speaking up. “I apologize for Lyney’s behavior, ‘Father’.”

Years ago, I had taken Lyney and Lynette under my wing after finding them on the verge of death. I was Upper 1, but that didn’t mean I didn’t care for young ones in need.

I had gotten them turned into demons and helped them get promoted into the upper rankings.

I treated them as a father would, so that’s why they referred to me as one.

Lyney playfully hit Lynette’s shoulders with his fists. “It’s not my fault, I just couldn’t resist!” He purred out.

I reach out and place my hands on their shoulders. “You both seem to get into risky situations, my children.”

Lyney sighs and looks down. “Apologies, ‘Father’…”

I nod in acknowledgment. “I shall leave you two be, be good, children.”

I then vanish in front of their eyes.

“‘Father’s’ a bit of a magician herself, isn’t she?” Lyney says, raising his brows.

Lynette sighs and rolls her eyes. “You’re hopeless, brother…”

Chapter Text

{Kazuha’s POV}

I wake up from a deep sleep. I didn’t have any dreams, my mind blank from the events that happened a few days ago.

I hold up my hands, looking over the chemical burns that would take a while to heal up. I sigh and turn my head as I hear the door open, followed by footsteps.

It was my best friend. My best friend I haven’t seen in so long. Mika.

I forced myself to sit up, weak from being in bed for days on end.

Mika speed-walked to my bed and sat down on the edge. He just stared at me before his lips curled up into a smile. I noticed his eyes were beginning to flood with tears.

“Mika…” I manage to get out.

“Y-you’re okay! You’re actually okay! I-I wasn’t allowed to see you when you were brought here!” Thick tears streamed down his face as he stuttered.

I pull him into a gentle hug and let out a soft chuckle. “Don’t cry over me, Mika. Of course I’m okay.”

The nurse here, Noelle stepped into the room.

She held her hands in front of her stomach and nodded at me in greeting.

“Mika, please step aside for a moment, I must give Kazuha his medicine.”

Mika sniffled before standing up and wiping his eyes. “O-okay, sorry about that…”

I give a small smile before taking the medicine Noelle offered to me. I forced myself to choke down the awful liquid, having to keep my mind on recovering.

I place my cup down on the nightstand next to me, turning my attention back to Mika.

“How is Xiangling doing?” I ask.

“Sh-she’s been sleeping, but it’s on and off now. She’s been hiding out in her room, and I’ve been helping her with getting supplies for cooking,” Mika explains. “She really wants to you see you again sometime.”

I nod and smile. “I really want to see her as well.”

Mika sits back down and looks over the burns on my skin. He sighs before saying, “I heard about what happened… the water demon, the Upper Rank…”

I think back to the fight between Upper 1 and Gallagher. The images of him losing his head flooded my mind.

“Right… that… I wish that whole mission was just a nightmare I could wake up from.” I look down at my arms. “Honestly in the beginning I was having a good time with Nilou and Gallagher.”

“I heard about your disguise as well,” Mika laughs out. The laugh quickly faded as he looks at my expression. “I’m sorry about everything that happened…”

“It’s okay, I’ll get over it eventually…”

Mika pats my shoulder and smiles at me. “You’re so strong, Kazuha. You’ll be back on your feet soon!”

•~•
{Nilou’s POV}

I’d be lying if I said I was in the mood for a Hashira meeting.

For the past few days I have been keeping my emotions in. I would try not to cry every time I dared to speak to someone.

The truth is, I found myself getting more and more depressed as the week went by.

I didn’t even want to sleep because whenever I had a dream, he would be there. I wanted to see him again so badly, but every time he appeared in my mind I wanted to die.

I now sat in a closed off room in the Master’s mansion. The light was dim, but I could still see Master Ei kneeling in front of us, her son, Kunikuzushi sitting beside her.

The other Hashira sat around me. I glanced over at the blank spot where Gallagher should’ve been.

“Nilou…” Master Ei begins. “Tell us, what do you remember happening the moment your marking appeared?”

My head shot up before I began to speak. “Ah, right! The lotus mark on my back…”

“I was unconscious at the time, but the demon we were fighting appeared in my dreams. I had a moment where I almost gave up, but I remembered my friends from the past and what made me happiest. That’s when I snapped out of it and hit the demon.” I think again before explaining, “my uniform was torn, so that’s how Kazuha and Gallagher noticed the marking…”

Master Ei hums. “I see… Hashira markings haven’t been seen in centuries…”

She thinks for a moment before saying, “Kuni and I will discuss this matter further, until then we must talk about what will happen with Misha. Please, tell me what you believe should be his punishment.”

“He should be executed.”

My heart dropped when I heard Xiao speak up first.

He glances at his sword before looking back up towards the Master. “Make him go out the same way Gallagher did.”

“That’s a bit harsh, isn’t it?…” Robin fidgets with her uniform skirt.

Everyone else gives their opinions, agreeing or disagreeing with Xiao’s suggestion.

Master Ei holds her hand up, making the room go silent. “I hear all of your thoughts. Though maybe it is best to hear what Nilou and Argenti have to say.”

Argenti places his hands on his thighs.

“Misha knows better than to do what he did. He should have never ran away in the first place. Though I believe he had his reasons, I…” he glances at me, “I have to agree with Xiao.”

“I-I don’t agree,” I quietly say. “He doesn’t deserve to die.”

The Master thinks for a moment. “I see… thank you both.”

She then looks at Kunikuzushi and nods.

He looks up at us and says quietly, “very few of you disagree with Xiao’s suggestion. Misha will receive punishment by death.”

“No… you can’t do this to him! He’s only a child!” I beg.

Kunikuzushi glares at me. “Our decision was already made. Now be respectful and keep your mouth shut!”

I wrap my one arm around myself. I felt like I was sinking into the ground and there was no way out.

“This meeting is dismissed.”

Everyone left. As I was getting up to walk out, the Master suddenly stopped me.

“Nilou, come here for a moment.”

I took a breath before kneeling down in front of her. I felt her cold hand on top of mine.

“My sweet child, I want you to have something, she says quietly, handing me a neatly folded up haori.

Gallagher’s haori.

“Master Ei, I-I don’t think I could handle having this…” I mutter out. I opened my mouth to speak again before she pulled me into a hug.

The Master rubs my back, gently.

“Keep it in memory.” She pulls back and looks at my face. “You should take a break for a while, I can tell you need it.”

I wipe my eyes. “Th-thank you…”

“Of course, my child. You are dismissed.”

I take the haori before standing up and leaving. The cool breeze hit me as I slowly made my way back home for a long break.

•~•
{Kazuha’s POV}

I was walking beside Mika through the halls of the Beauty Mansion to see Xiangling.

We stopped in front of a room, Mika slowly opening the door.

Once inside, we were met with Xiangling kneeling on the ground, making rice balls.

She sensed me immediately and jumped up.

“Kazuha!” Xiangling exclaimed as she embraced me, picking me up and spinning me around.

I almost forgot how strong demons were.

“It’s been so long! You stopped by just in time, I made food.”

Xiangling hands me a rice ball. I take it and split it in half, giving the other piece to Mika. As soon as I took the first bite I felt like I was in Heaven.

“Thank you so much. Xiangling,” I say after swallowing. “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too!” She squeals out as she pulls us to sit down with her on the floor.

“Tell me everything you’ve been doing, please!”

I tell her everything that happened before and after the Entertainment District mission. I recap everything I could possibly remember, giving Xiangling every detail.

She places her hands on the floor in front of her, leaning forwards.

“Wow, that sounds like a lot… I wish I could’ve been there.”

“I wish the same,” Mika says. “But you were regaining your strength and I had to stay behind.”

I think for a moment before pulling them both into a hug. I look around the dark room and smile.

We were finally together again.

Chapter Text

A week went by in a flash.

I had already found out what was going to happen with Misha, and I couldn’t help but feel bad about it.

What he did was wrong, but he was still just a child. Could life be so cruel that he’d be getting his head cut off in only a few days?

Currently, I was outside, sword in hand. I only had my uniform pants on because of how hard I was training. Sweat dripped down my face, and my ponytail was messy.

I finally stopped when I noticed that blonde boy walk closer to me, a broom in his hand. It was Yanqing, the child that helped around the Beauty Mansion.

“Um… Mr. Kazuha?” He had a worried expression on his face.

I drop my sword and turn to him. “What’s up? Is something wrong?”

Yanqing fidgeted around with his fingers before asking, “have you seen Misha anywhere? Mr. Argenti and Noelle have been trying to find him all day…”

It took a moment for me to process those words. “No… I haven’t seen him anywhere. I’m sorry.”

Yanqing looked down before nodding. “Okay. That’s okay. He’s been missing for a while, I haven’t seen him since last night…”

“I see…” I mutter.

The only conclusion I could think of was that Misha was so desperate to escape punishment that he ran away. I shouldn’t jump to conclusions, but seems like the only explanation.

“Sorry for bothering you.” Yanqing turned to walk away.

I think for a moment. “It’s okay, I hope you find him soon…”

•~•

Another day had passed, and they were still looking for Misha. I was thinking they should just give up so that they don’t have to go through the trouble of killing him.

I had been hanging out with Xiangling and Mika, telling them everything that was happening.

I felt bad, but my two friends gave me comfort. A pang of happiness was in my heart every time I was with them.

I was sitting outside, putting on my now clean scarf. I didn’t wear it for a while because of the fact it had Nilou’s blood on it. Noelle had taken it from me to clean, which I really thank her for.

I look up at the night sky, realizing I should probably get some rest.

I quickly made my way back inside, walking into the room where my recovery was taking place.

I lay down in my bed and drift off to sleep.

•~•

I dreamt about Tomo. I noticed I started having more dreams about him, yet they were peaceful, not full of his death.

I’ve started to sleep with his scarf like it was a tiny blanket. I think it’s triggering these gentle dreams about him.

I woke up after what felt like a few minutes of being unconscious.

I fully came to my senses once I saw Mika’s face staring down at me.

“Wake up, Kazuha. We’re being sent on a mission.”

“Already?…” I grumble.

Mika sighs and sits on the edge of my bed. “I know, it’s too early. We just have to go investigate a shrine.”

I sit up and rub my eyes. “Alright… I’m up.”

Mika leaves the room to let me get ready. I quickly put on my uniform and haori, wrapping the soft scarf around my neck. I make my way out of the room, exiting the Beauty Mansion with Mika and his basket with Xiangling hiding inside.

Chapter Text

I look up at the dark sky as we walk. Mika had let Xiangling walk with us due to the sun not being out.

“We should be there soon,” I say. My legs were getting a bit tired from walking uphill for who knows how long.

The stone steps seemed to be getting steeper as we moved our feet.

Mika let out a breath when we finally got up the mountain we were walking on. Xiangling stumbled a bit, but seemed to immediately gain her strength.

“Is this the shrine?” Mika questions. “It seems pretty run down… abandoned even.”

I nod in agreement. It looked a bit roughed up like it hasn’t been touched in years. I didn’t notice any signs of demons at the moment, but I couldn’t be too sure.

We enter the shrine, the sight before us fascinating me.

There were red buildings on either side, a sakura tree at the end. The tree had a kitsune head embedded at the top. It was alive despite the aura around the shrine being off.

Xiangling stared at one of the buildings rooftop for a moment before quietly saying, “who’s that up there?”

Mika looks up at where she was gazing at. “Is that one of the Hashira?… Oh, it’s Kinich!”

As he exclaims, Kinich looks down at us before jumping down in front of us.

He crosses his arms and glances around. “Hey.”

I stare at the sound Hashira before responding with a nod of acknowledgment. Kinich seemed a bit closed off, which I could understand.

“What are you doing here?” He asks.

“Just came to help, I suppose.” I fiddle with my scarf as I speak.

Kinich raises one of his eyebrows. “I don’t need any help, I’m perfectly fine on my own.”

Mika steps forward a bit. “We were sent here, the Master is getting paranoid about the Hashira…”

“They could’ve just sent another Hashira,” Kinich says, “But again, I’m alright on my own.”

I sigh, realizing we probably wouldn’t get through to him.

“If Master Ei sent us to you, then don’t push us away.”

Kinich blinks before nodding.

“You’re right.”

I then noticed Xiangling picking up cherry blossom petals that were on the ground before placing them into her basket that Mika still had.

“What are you doing, Xiangling?” Mika asks.

“Ingredients…” Xiangling answers. She was already getting a bit distracted thinking about our next meal.

We realized Kinich had suddenly disappeared, inspecting the rest of the shrine on his own.

“Guess it’s time to find a demon,” Mika says.

•~•

I was now sitting on the steps in front of the sakura tree.

Mika and Xiangling were inspecting the buildings together while Kinich got back on a roof to find any traces.

I suddenly heard a rusting sound.

My head jerks to the source to the noise. A little pink fox was sitting only a few feet away from me.

It titled its head at me, probably questioning why I was even here.

“How long have you been here?…” I mutter.

The pink creature slowly approaches me, its paws padding on the gravel.

I hesitate before holding my hand out to it.

It makes a small squeak before vanishing. That’s weird…

I stand up, turning my head around to look in different directions of the shrine, wondering where the little pink fox went.

I take a few steps before Kinich suddenly calls out.

“Watch out!”

I turn my head to the side, realizing that a electro kitsune was flying right at my face.

Kinich pushed me to the ground, out of the way.

The kitsune hit one of the buildings, vanishing immediately.

I realized that if Kinich didn’t react, I would’ve gotten hit, and it definitely wouldn’t have been a fun injury to deal with.

Mika and Xiangling run over.

“What happened?!” Mika exclaims. “Are you okay?”

I nod, recovering as I managed to stand up with Kinich’s help.

“Curiosity kills the cat, does it not?”

I looked up when I heard another voice.

Sitting one of the sets of steps was a woman. She had white skin with red kitsune marks on her face. Pink hair framed her face, golden ornaments in her hair. I noticed fox ears that were hanging on the sides on her head. She had a shrine maiden’s outfit on.

Her eyes were purple with the characters UPPER 6 in them.

I felt relieved knowing she wasn’t a higher rank than 6, but I couldn’t help but still be paranoid.

In her lap was the same pink fox. The demon held her hand, making her fingers look like a kitsune head. In her other hand was a white and pink gohei.

“You poor little thing, did you almost get hit by my precious fox?” The demon stands up, the pink creature running off. “Apologies, child, I just can’t help but tease you silly humans sometimes.”

“Upper 6?…” Mika questions.

The kitsune demon smiles, “That’s me, though I prefer being called by my actual name, Yae Miko. Oh, but maybe Lady Miko is fine as well.”

Upper 6, or Yae Miko, struts over to us.

“I can’t wait to mess with your precious human souls.”

Chapter Text

{Mika’s POV}

I was never really the type to actually fight in a battle. I usually just stood off to the side with my medicine and sword just in case I had to step in.

The demon, Lady Miko, suddenly decided to target me.

“Try and keep up with me, weakling.”

I grunt and lunge at her with my sword, but she disappears before I can even blink.

“Up there!” Kazuha exclaims. I look up, spotting Lady Miko sitting on top of the tree. Her legs were swinging ever so slightly as she gazed down at us.

“Silly child, trying to catch me off guard,” she laughs out. She holds up her hand that was posed to look like a kitsune head. She brought her gohei up to cover her mouth as the last few giggles escaped.

I looked over at Xiangling and Kazuha, noticing that Kinich was no where to be seen.

He looks at me and makes a gesture, basically saying that he didn’t know where he went.

Lady Miko looks around. “Looks like your friend decided to run while he still could. Smart boy.”

Would Kinich really do that to us?

Suddenly, Lady Miko’s hand holding the gohei was sliced off. Kinich was right behind her.

“You three, just stand back! I don’t need your help right now!” Kinich yells.

I was suddenly being pulled away into a corner by Xiangling.

•~•
{Kinich’s POV}

If only demon’s couldn’t regenerate, then my job would be easier.

I watched as the demon’s hand quickly came back, her arm shooting out to grab my sword. Luckily, I jumped back before she could.

The demon picked her gohei up before saying, “you damn fool; think you can slay me while I’m distracted?”

“… yes.”

She shakes her head and stands up. “Silly boy. Silly, silly boy. You couldn’t possibly kill a demon such as me. Even as a Hashira.” She smiles mischievously.

The demon raises her gohei, rounds of foxes made from lighting race towards me.

I quickly jump off of the tree, disappearing before Miko’s eyes. She looks around confused before landing on my form standing on one of the rooftops.

Her smile widens ever so slightly. She suddenly appears behind me.

I turn around, huffing in frustration.

“Damn demon…” I mutter.

“Silly boy…”

“Stop calling me that!” I suddenly shout. Miko hums in response, her gohei raising again.

Oh no, you don’t… I lunge at her, my sword raised high.

“Sound breathing…”

My blade suddenly connects with her neck, but it only cut through halfway.

She grabs the blade with her bare hand. “You stupid child! You truly believe it’s that easy?!”

My grip falters and the demon manages to rip the blade out of her neck. She looked completely pissed off, suddenly lunging at me, her teeth bared.

I felt her fingers wrapping around my shoulders and could see her face getting closer to my neck.

It felt like the world was in slow motion, my gaze landing on a purple light coming right towards me.

I couldn’t tell if the sudden pain was from a bite or lightning striking.

Chapter Text

I stood outside of the engawa of my house. My fingers picked on a loose thread on my sleeve as I stared at the cloudy sky.

I look over at my mom, who was sitting down next to me.

Her eyes made her look like she was dead, but I knew she was still there somewhere. Mom was broken because of Dad, and I was too.

She doesn’t look at me, but her fingers come up to intertwine with mine. I squeeze her hand, silently praying that she would respond, and she did.

I notice her sleeve fall down her arm ever so slightly, my eyes going over the various bruises from Dad.

This was a rare moment of peace. I couldn’t go one night without listening to Mom and Dad scream at each other.

“Mom?”

“Yes, Kinich…?”

I sit down next to her. “Please, don’t ever leave me alone.”

I look over her face, her gaze now directed towards me. She smiled, her lips trembling before saying, “You won’t ever be alone, I promise…”

Mom pulls me into a hug, my shoulders tensing as I didn’t really enjoy physical contact, and I could tell she didn’t either. Her fingers dug into my clothes as I buried my face in her shoulder.

“Let’s go inside, Kinich…”

We get up and cautiously step into the inside of our home.

Suddenly, it was the middle of the night. I was on my knees, watching as my parents fought once again.

My dad was obviously drunk, his words slurring as he yelled.

I was mixing their words together in my head. I never liked what I heard, so I tried forcing myself to space out.

I blinked a few times when I was brought back to reality by the harsh sound of a punch. I looked up and saw my mom on the floor, covering her nose and sobbing.

Dad’s knuckles were bloody.

It hurt so much I couldn’t help but watch the scene playing before me.

My dad’s head snaps towards me. I scoot myself back, as if trying to escape the pain I was about to endure. He walks up to me, his steps heavy from alcohol.

He grunts and looks down at my small form.

“You hurt Mom…” I mutter out.

Dad grabs me by the fabric of my clothes and lifts me up into a kneeling position, my head hanging downwards and my gaze locked onto the floor.

“How about you stop running your mouth, you little—“

Mom is screaming.

Dad drops me when we see the scene going on behind him. A demon was eating my Mom.

A demon was eating my Mom.

Dad’s body was doing nothing to block my view. The creature looked at him and lunged, trapping him on the floor and attacking. I saw its teeth in his neck. It ripped his throat off.

I stumble before quickly making my way to an exit, glancing and seeing Mom’s body, covered in blood. Her guts were outside of her stomach. Her hand was ripped off. That dead look in her eyes was now complete.

I managed to get out of the house. I was now running, not caring that I was running out of stamina, I just needed to escape.

I had managed to run far enough, coming at a hard stop in the woods. I ended up tripping and falling flat on my face.

I quickly recover and sit up in a kneeling position.

I heard the sound of laughter coming from a tree above me. I tense and look up, spotting a small creature that kind of looked like a tiny dragon.

“W-who are you? What do you want?!” I panic.

The creature, which was most likely a demon speaks to me. “You know, you should wake up before you get killed! Or don’t, I’d love to have a body that I could get around with!”

Ajaw… wait, Ajaw?

I look down, realizing I was an adult again, and wearing my uniform with a now torn up haori.

Ajaw… the little demon companion that I secretly had and never let out unless necessary.

That’s right, I was in the middle of a fight, unconscious.

“Damn, guess you are waking up. Oh well, see ya, Kinich!”

•~•

I let out a sharp gasp when my eyes finally opened. My entire body stung. I was currently sprawled out against the ground. That boy, Mika was sitting next to me.

I noticed Kazuha was fighting the demon, their demon companion girl fighting beside him. Her moves were quick, I could tell she had a lot of energy that wouldn’t wear off any time soon.

“Are you okay? How are you feeling?!” Mika asks. He sounded panicked which wasn’t very reassuring.

“I’m fine.”

I stand up, wobbling slightly before recovering and running towards the demon while she was distracted, my sword raised.

“Sound breathing!”

Chapter Text

{Yae Miko’s POV}

A demon working with demon slayers… it’s insanity!

I continue trying to land attacks on the two in front of me, but they were too fast. How could this be?!

I turn my head in time to see the Hashira running at me. “Sound breathing!” I heard him shout. After that lightning strike I doubted he would even be on his feet, though I could see him trembling as he ran.

“Oh, child, that won’t be happening.” I turn fully to face him and strike, my precious foxes of lightning launching themselves towards the Hashira.

I wouldn’t think he could dodge them from how bad he was shaking, but he did anyway.

He jumps and something appears above him. He swings and launches himself to me, slicing my arms off.

“Kazuha, Xiangling, I’ve got this covered,” the Hashira says calmly.

I heard laughing from where he swung, a little dragon looking creature, which I assumed it was a demon. It flies down and lands on the Hashira’s shoulder. “Haha! Bow down to the one, the only, K’Uhul Ajaw!”

The boy glares at it. “Shut it.”

My arms regenerate. “Another demon working with a human, hmm… what an interesting fight!”

The other boys and the demon child stared at the Hashira with wide eyes. It was obvious they didn’t know about this either.

“Time to take you down,” the Hashira mutters.

I shake my head. “Tsk, tsk, I don’t think so.” I smile slyly. “Blood demon art…”

I bring my finger up to my lips, my eyes beginning to glow.

“Great secret art!”

I yell out and lift my gohei up, multiple strikes of lighting filling the area all at once. The Hashira got hit, then his demon companion, who disappeared instantly, then that demon slayer he called Kazuha, and then the demon girl, who cried out in pain.

But where the hell did that last weakling go?…

After the strikes passed, I smiled widely as I saw the Hashira violently shaking on the ground. He got hit so many times tonight, I wonder how long it’ll take for his lungs to stop working!

Kazuha was unconscious on the ground, and the girl was trying to wake him up. I look around, trying to spot the other boy, but I had no luck.

I take a few steps forward. “Come out, come out wherever you are, weakling…”

I stop in front of the Hashira, seeing the poor boy convulsing almost made me feel bad.

I hold my arms out, my sweet, precious fox jumping into my arms.

“Oh, child, I don’t suppose you would love to feast on some slayers tonight, hm?”

“Ice breathing!”

What the hell?!

My head jerks back in time to see the missing boy right above me, slowly getting closer. I didn’t think he had it in him—

“7th form, technical snowstorm!”

I try sneaking an attack in, but it was too late. His sword had already cut through my neck.

I scream as my head hits the ground. I look over, seeing my fox burn into ash next to me. The boy managed to slice both of us at the same time.

I felt memories slowly entering my brain…

•~•

“Miko… Miko?”

I blink a few times. Where was I?

I felt an unfamiliar, but familiar warmth enter my body. Has my human soul returned to my body?…

I turn my head, noticing a woman sitting next to me. That kimono looked familiar, along with the long purple hair falling off of her shoulders.

Ei…

“Are you alright, my Miko?…” she asks.

My Miko.

“Ei…”

I saw the baby she was holding. A precious baby boy. It was Kunikuzushi, Ei’s little brother.

This was a memory from years ago, but it felt like it was in the present.

“Miko… I never thought I would see you like this again,” Ei says, quietly. I manage to smile ever so slightly.

I scoot myself closer to her. “You look so tired, Ei.”

“Lots has happened ever since you were turned. My precious Kuni is all grown up, my children continue dying every day…” From how she spoke I could tell that’s she’s been put through a lot.

I hum. “I have to go soon, Ei…”

“I know.”

I look down, my hands starting to fade into ash. I felt myself burning, but I didn’t care.

“Life is too short isn’t it?” she asks.

I nod. “The years come and go at a fast pace.”

I knew my time was running out now, the burning picking up in speed.

“You were always in the back of my mind, Ei.”

She leans forward, her forehead hitting mine. “I never stopped thinking about the day we would meet again…” she pauses before continuing, “I’ll be joining you in hell soon, then we may spend the rest of eternity together…”

“Eternity… a strong word. You’ve always loved it didn’t you?” I glance down as Kuni coos at my words.

Ei smiles, watching as the rest of my body burns. “I always have, my Miko.”

•~•

{Kazuha’s POV}

I gasp awake.

I was in so much pain, but I managed to sit up anyway. Xiangling was laying her head down on my legs, clearly scared.

“You’re awake!” She jumps up and tackles me in a hug.

I wince, causing her to pull back. “Oops, didn’t mean to hurt you! Guess what? Mika killed the demon! And then he got his medicine and saved you and Kinich.”

“R-really?…” I manage to get out. God, my throat hurt…

I look around, finding Kinich slumped against a wall next to me.

Mika was kneeling down next to him, finishing up on getting part of his health back up.

“Everyone’s alive… that’s good…” I mutter. Xiangling nods in agreement.

Suddenly, footsteps approached.

I look back to see the mist Hashira, Xiao, slowly walking towards us. He ignores me and makes his way over to Kinich.

“You’re late,” Kinich says, his voice a bit raspy.

“No shit.” Xiao crosses his arms and looks down at him. “You look a bit messed up there.”

“Yeah, it’s nothing…”

Xiao looks around at all of us. “The Kakushi are making their way here as well. Try not to fall asleep when they’re taking you back to the Beauty Mansion, or I might as well bury you on the way there.”

Seems like those two don’t get along…

Mika glances back and forth between them, a worried glint in his eyes. “Y-you don’t mean that, do you?”

“I don’t know, do I?”

Suddenly, the Kakushi appeared. Some immediately started to look over the shrine’s condition while two came over to pick up me and Kinich. I’m glad they could help, especially since my legs felt like jelly at the moment.

The sun finally began to rise, and we were now on our way back to start our recovery.

Chapter Text

{Argenti’s POV}

Guilt gnawed at my heart. It had been forever since anyone saw Nilou, and I was now walking to her estate.

I eventually got there, noticing that the gate doors were open. I sigh and step through, having to assume that Nilou was home.

I look around. I had indeed been here before, but there was tension in the air.

Nilou was most likely suffering right now…

“Argenti?…”

I jump, realizing that she was outside. I look down, noticing Nilou standing in front of me. She was incredibly silent, sneaking up on me while I was trying to find her.

Her red hair was a mess. I saw the light in her blue eyes threatening to fade away, and the dark eyebags underneath. I glance down at where her right arm was supposed to be. The light blue kimono she was wearing was loose from not being put on properly.

“Nilou…” I manage to get out.

She finally meets my gaze. “Did you need anything?”

I nod. “I want to talk with you for a while.”

“Then, please, come inside…”

•~•

I was now sitting in front of Nilou.

“How have you been doing, Nilou?” I ask her.

She looks down at the floor. “I don’t know. Empty, I guess, but I really don’t know…”

I nod. “I understand.”

“Has Misha been…” Nilou trails off.

“Not yet, no,” I begin. “Misha… disappeared. I’ve been actively trying to find him, but still no luck.”

“Okay…” Nilou says. She pauses before continuing, “I don’t want him to die.”

I felt a pang in my chest. “I know, Nilou, I know…”

“He’s just a child, I can’t bear the thought of him having a blade to his neck, I…” Nilou falters. “He’s all I have. H-he’s all I have left, Argenti, you can’t let this go through.”

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry… there isn’t any going back, once he’s found—“

A strangled sob escaped her throat.

I falter. “Nilou…”

“P-please… I don’t want anyone else to die… M-Misha still has his whole life to live,” Nilou takes a shaky breath, “I-I’m begging you…”

“I couldn’t possibly convince everyone else… especially Master Ei and Kunikuzushi.”

She breaks.

Nilou buried her face in her left hand as best as she could. Her tears fell down, hitting the fabric of her kimono.

My guilt takes over and I pull her into a hug. I rub her back with my hand, gently.

“I’m so sorry…”

“I-I wish there was another way,” she manages to say.

“I know, I know…” I feel her bury her face in my shoulder, seeking comfort.

After her sobs calmed down, I pulled back just enough to look her in the eye.

I sigh and look over Nilou’s expression. Her fingers were digging into my back.

“You’re still so strong, Miss Nilou. Will you be coming back soon?…”

“Soon, I promise…”

I manage a small smile. “Beautiful.”

•~•

The sun was slowly going down. I had always appreciated how beautiful the sunset was.

It had been awhile since I left Nilou behind. I was now returning to the task at hand: finding Misha.

My steps slowed as I approached a teahouse. My hand instinctively went to my sword. I couldn’t be too sure if this was legit since it was in a closed off area, though I had some hope that whoever the owner was knew about Misha’s whereabouts.

Stepping inside the dimly lit shop, I found a man working there, alone, who was most likely the owner.

He turns to me, his long blonde hair falling over his shoulders and his teal eyes staring into mine.

“Hello, sir… did you need anything?” He asks.

I nod, my voice calm as I say, “I’m Argenti, with the Demon Slayer Corps. I needed to ask if you’ve seen a child pass by your shop.”

“Can you describe them?…”

I take a minute or two to describe what Misha looks like.

The man thinks for a moment before saying, “I have seen him. He was here yesterday morning. The child stole a cup of tea from me and ran off into the forest. I was gonna go after him, but I could see how desperate he was to fill his stomach, so I let him go.”

“I see… thank you…”

“Albedo.”

“Albedo. Thank you, Albedo.”

•~•

I made my way through the forest, trying to find any signs of Misha, but there was nothing so far.

I stopped by a tall tree, kneeling down and looking at what looked like a dirty haori.

Misha’s haori.

It had been abandoned here. I pick it up and find a big spider crawling on it. It didn’t look like any spider I have ever seen. Its body was white with a red X on it.

I shake it off before standing up, holding the haori close to me.

A shiver suddenly ran down my spine, but I wasn’t sure what caused it.

My fingers wrap around my sword. I turn around, finding a teal flame behind me, but it was floating.

“What is this?…” I mutter to myself.

I reach out, my fingers making it vanish immediately.

I look around, a green fireball swiftly passing through the forest trees. It stops on top of a green branch.

It had pointy ears and the sly face of a fox. It didn’t have any body, only flames coming from the head. One of its eyes held the character LOWER 3.

I unsheathed my sword quickly, the long metal shining in the moonlight. My sword was much longer and fancier than most of those in the corps.

The demon then shifted into a large fox. Its presence made me falter. It almost had a ghostly aura surrounding it.

“You dare come into our territory?”

Our…

“A demon slayer should know better. No one ever comes out of these woods the same!”

The demon then jumps down, and I feel the cool, green flames engulf me.

Chapter Text

{Kazuha‘s POV}

I had been stuck in bed ever since we got back from that mission. I can’t sleep. My head hurts. Mika’s worried sick about me. He says I’ve become a bit more agitated. Oh, and did I mention the burns? My chemical burns haven’t even healed all the way yet from that sea monster demon.

Being a demon slayer is great.

The door opens. I was expecting Noelle or Mika to walk in, but instead I was met with Yanqing.

I sit up and nod at him in greeting.

He walks up to me before handing me my medicine. His gaze was lowered.

“What’s that look for, Yanqing?…” I ask.

Yanqing looks up at me. “First Misha was missing, and now Mr. Argenti…”

“Is he on any missions right now?” Yanqing shakes his head.

“He’s been going out to try and find Misha, and he usually returns the next day. Noelle and Miss Robin left to go find Miss Nilou since he left to see her yesterday…”

“I see…” I ponder.

“You should take your medicine.” Yanqing’s eyes looked like they were stripped from the childlike innocence they used to hold. I noticed the dark eye bags underneath his bottom lashes.

I don’t comment on it, though. I only take my medicine and drink it, the bitter taste lasting on my tongue.

Yanqing begins to leave before saying, “Bye, Mr. Kazuha.”

•~•
{Robin’s POV}

Nilou’s head was in my lap as Noelle checked on what was left of her right arm.

She was currently telling me about what her and Argenti talked about when he was over.

When Noelle touched a sensitive spot, Nilou winced.

“Are you alright, Nilou?…” I ask, my fingers intertwining in between the strands of her hair. She nods before closing her eyes.

Noelle finishes checking her arm and sits up, placing her hands on her thighs. “It looks good. You should be fine, Miss Nilou.”

“Thank you…”

I smile ever so slightly. “Now, which direction did Argenti go again? After he left?”

Nilou tells us and we nod. She sits up and looks at us.

“Will you be alright, Miss Nilou?” Noelle asks.

“It’ll take time.”

We all rise to our feet, and I wrap my arms around her. “Come back soon, Miss…”

Her lips twitch and she glances up at me. “I will, promise.”

•~•

Me and Noelle had made it to a teahouse, the lights coming from inside contrasting with the dark forest near it. It’s like I could sense some sort of dark energy coming from it, but I wasn’t sure what it could’ve been.

Noelle stared at the forest. “Do you think… Mr. Argenti is in there somewhere?”

“Maybe… let’s check it out. Stay close to me, alright?”

Noelle nods and follows me into the dark entrance of the mysterious forest.

The wings on my head twitch when I hear movement. I glance around and place my hands on my swords.

I thought I could hear people talking, but it was just distorted whispering that I couldn’t decipher.

“Do you hear that, Noelle?”

She nods and clasps her hands together, calmly. “I do, Miss Robin…”

I blink a few times before I saw teal flames on the trees. Where did those come from?…

“Noelle, just walk in front of me. I can’t risk getting you hurt.”

She obeys and steps in front of me and I lead her further into the forest.

I stop and hold my hand up. “One moment.” I turn around, realizing the various flames seemed to be following us.

I suddenly hear a gasp from Noelle and immediately react. I turn back, seeing Argenti. He had a tight hold on Noelle and his hand was over her mouth.

“Argenti?!” I shouted, but I didn’t mean to.

That’s when I realized his eyes were glowing the same color the flames were. My eyes widened as I realized this was the work of a demon.

I look up, seeing a little girl sitting on top of one of the trees. Her hair was green and she looked deathly pale. Her eyes were a mix of blue and green. I noticed one of them said LOWER 3. She had drooping fox ears as well. She was a foxian with no tail…

“Who are you?” I ask.

She looks down at me, not answering my question. She shakily holds up a small flag. The girl was quite frightened for a demon.

Argenti, or at least who I thought was Argenti looks at me, shifting his gaze from the trembling Noelle he had in his grasp.

He spoke, his voice deep and distorted.

“Seems you stumbled into the wrong territory, girl. Make one wrong move and she’s dead.”

Chapter Text

“Argenti, let Noelle go!” I hold my swords at my sides, not risking Noelle getting hurt.

He smiles. “Argenti isn’t here right now, girl. I’m Tail, a ghost demon.”

I glance at the girl sitting in the tree. “And her?…”

“Huohuo, the other part of me. We’re bound together forever, sadly,” Tail explains. “She’s the fox and I’m the tail, literally.”

The girl, Huohuo jumps down from the tree. “Shut the hell up, Tail. I never wanted to be in this position either.”

Tail snarls. I look up at him. His eyes were so unsettling…

Noelle lets out a small whimper, struggling in Tail’s grip.

I couldn’t have ever imagined the image of Argenti holding Noelle of all people hostage. I didn’t want her to be involved in any of this. How do I get her out of this situation? Think, Robin, think…

I suddenly noticed Huohuo slowly approaching me. She held her flag up and began running.

”Oh no you don’t!” I dodge her swing, the demon’s flag setting aflame.

Tail frowns. “Huohuo, can you do something right for once?” His hand rises to Noelle’s neck, squeezing it. Noelle doesn’t try fighting back, knowing it was useless.

Huohuo tries landing a few more hits on me, but I manage to back away from them all.

I took note of how she stumbled. For her rank, she seemed quite weak. I almost felt bad…

Tail mutters something to himself. Suddenly, ghosts appear around me. All of them had uniforms. They were past slayers… how did he do that?

They raise their swords and lunge at me. I raise my swords and start slicing them, the ghosts vanishing as soon as my blades pass through their green bodies. I had to figure out a way to kill those demons.

An idea then appeared in my head.

“Harmony breathing, 2nd form…” I run through the ghosts. “Choir’s song!”

I spin around, cutting through the rest of the ghosts. They all disappear in one harmony. The wings on my head flutter as I land on my feet.

My attack momentarily stunned Huohuo and Tail. I make my way to Tail and take Noelle out of his grip. I gently set her down against a tree.

”Are you alright, Noelle?…”

“As alright as I can be, Miss Robin…” She was obviously shaken up.

“I didn’t want you to be put in this mess,” I stand up, “my apologies, Noelle.”

Before Noelle can respond, I feel a hand on my shoulder.

I freak out and turn around, raising my swords and slashing Argenti’s, or I suppose now Tail’s, face, cutting both of his eyes at the same time.

He lets out a shriek, the ghostly aura leaving his body.

Tail, who now looks like a fox head shouts, “DAMN YOU, GIRL! I ALMOST HAD YOU!”

He suddenly flies over to Huohuo, merging with her. He was now her actual tail. She looks up at me like an angry child.

What I had done finally processes in my brain, and I look over at Argenti, who was covering his bloody eyes, slouched over, and breathing raggedly.

I had exorcised a demon out of my colleague by blinding him.

Chapter Text

{Yanqing’s POV}

I was at Master Ei’s estate because there was nothing else to clean up at the Beauty Mansion, especially with Mr. Argenti and Noelle gone.

I was sitting on the engawa, staring at the now night sky. I was thinking about Misha again. It had been so long since my best friend disappeared.

I jump when I hear Kunikuzushi’s voice from behind.

“You can go now, you know. The Master doesn’t need anymore help.”

I turn to face him before nodding. “I know. I’ll get going…”

Kunikuzushi nods in approval. “You’re the only one who can help any injured slayers at the moment.” He turns and walks inside, sliding the screen behind him.

I stand up and grab my broom, walking along the engawa.

After a minute or so, I stop, barely processing the horrid smell that suddenly hits me.

I didn’t like it at all, but I couldn’t help but feel curious.

I realize it was coming by the graveyard that the Master kept by her home.

I take a breath and cautiously approach the source of the smell.

What I saw horrified me.

In the graveyard, Mr. Gallagher’s spot was dug up. His headless body was next to his stone. His stomach was ripped open. There was blood everywhere. His intestines were torn apart.

That’s when I realize what, or who was causing this.

Right next to the body was a boy.

That boy was Misha.

Or at least I thought it was.

His skin was deathly pale. His hair was a mess. He had fangs now, his mouth surrounded with blood. One of his eyes was still covered by his light blue hair. The eye I could see was completely white, but there was little numbers inside. Misha’s eye was now a ticking clock.

His clothes were a complete mess. Some remnants of Gallagher’s intestines looked like disgusting pink slop on top of his kimono.

Misha didn’t seem to notice the spider crawling on his arm as he dug into the body, obviously hungry.

He suddenly noticed my gaze and looked right at me, his eye unnerving to look at from this point.

Misha just stared, not saying a word as he choked down organs.

That’s when I fell to my knees and vomited.

•~•
{Morax’s POV}

I paced silently through the forest. I sensed I was near Raiden Ei’s estate, but I didn’t want to disturb the woman.

Not right now.

I suddenly heard footsteps approaching. That’s when I saw that boy that Arlecchino brought in a while ago.

I hum and look down at him, his clock eye staring into mine.

“What do you think you’re doing out here?” I say, my tone stern.

He only mutters two simple words. “I’m hungry…” Misha then grabs the spider that was on his arm.

“You make yourself too obvious, boy.”

He ignores my words and sticks the spider in his mouth, biting its head off. I couldn’t tell what was going through his head. I didn’t expect that response, but I was amused, especially because he had just ate one of Arlecchino’s spiders. The demon he was loyal to.

I lean down to Misha’s level. “I think you should go and work on actually thinking about where you are and who could see you.”

I then put my finger on his forehead, my sharp nail digging into his pale skin.

“If you ever stumble upon that estate again, you’re dead, alright?”

•~•
{Misha’s POV}

I didn’t know who that was, but the kid who spotted me eating a dead body looked familiar, but I could just be imagining things.

I was still hungry. Those bloody organs weren’t enough.

I didn’t want to actually hurt anyone physically, so I did anything I could to get blood from dead things. That body I was eating made me content.

That corpse looked familiar as well. What was going on with my head tonight? I wish that body had a head so I could tell.

I didn’t remember a lot, and I didn’t know why. The only thing I could recall was the moment I accepted being stripped from humanity.

“Father” was honestly the only person keeping me away from insanity.

Chapter Text

{Argenti’s POV}

I couldn’t see anything, but I could feel the sensation of blood trickling down my face from my eye sockets.

What the hell happened? Why do I not remember anything from the last few hours?

“Miss Robin, what did you do!” I hear Noelle’s voice. What she asked wasn’t a question, it was an exclamation. Why is Noelle with Miss Robin? And since when was there a demon? Or at least I thought it was a demon, since I couldn’t see anymore.

I hear Miss Robin, her voice wobbly. “Argenti, I… this… this wasn’t supposed to happen…”

“Dammit, this wasn’t how this was supposed to go!” I hear a girl’s voice. “Now Tail’s stuck to me. For God’s sake, I HATE THIS CURSE!!”

I uncover my bloody eyes, half expecting my body to suddenly regain the ability to see, but I could only hear the girl in front of me running toward where Noelle and Miss Robin were stationed.

“Argenti, I’ll handle them! Please, Noelle, take Argenti and get back to the mansion to get him treated!”

I then block out Robin’s voice to focus.

“Beauty breathing, 1st form…”

“Perfume trail.”

•~•

Training myself to sense smells wasn’t what was expected of a Hashira, but I challenged myself to accomplish that task for my unique breathing style.

I could replace the ugly smells, and smell the beautiful smells instead.

Beauty breathing never had any history of having a 1st form, so I would memorize the scents of medicine as I nursed my patients in the Beauty Mansion, memorize the scent of flowers outside.

I trained myself to sense demons without even batting an eye at them.

I was now blind, which meant this form was what I had to prioritize in this battle.

I could sense Miss Robin protecting Noelle from the enemies, sense that the demon was a 2 in 1.

Disappearing from the spot I was standing, I weave through trees, following the trail’s scent that lead me to the demons.

“Beauty breathing… 3rd form.” I take a deep breath, taking my sword from my hip. “Idrila’s promise!”

I elegantly spin around, slicing through the girl’s neck, my blade shifting and cutting what I assumed to be her tail off her body.

I heard the screeches from the two, knowing that I had defeated ugly once more, blind.

I couldn’t see it, but wherever the heads landed, rose petals had fallen over them, covering up their ugly choices and cleansing them.

They would certainly go to hell, but now they would be able to reflect on their beautiful past.

•~•

“Argenti!”

Noelle was calling out to me.

I reach up, now realizing the amount of blood that was on my face just by feeling it.

I topple down onto my knees, letting out a quiet chuckle.

“Well, it all works out in the end, doesn’t it?”

Robin kneels down beside me, her swords clashing together on the ground.

“Argenti… we need to get you back right now.” She takes a deep breath. “I’m so sorry, Argenti. You were possessed by a demon and I sliced your face to get it out. It shouldn’t have happened this way.”

“Miss Robin…” I reach out, placing my hand on her shoulder. “It’s alright now. I’m lucky I have a scent based form.” I give her a reassuring smile.

“You’re blind now, I assume?” Noelle asks.

“Yes, I am,” I respond. “Now take me to the Beauty Mansion before I bleed all over you two.” I look up at the dark sky, but I couldn’t see the stars this time.

“I suppose every Hashira gets an ending.”